What to Serve with French Toast (Sides & Toppings)

By Angela Lietzke | Updated on March 6, 2024 | Leave a comment | This post may contain affiliate links

Wondering what to serve with French toast? Explore our family-approved collection of sides and toppings for French toast. From sweet to savory, we've got you covered with the ultimate guide to French toast accompaniments. Get ready to elevate breakfast with these delicious pairings!

A collection of French toast sides and toppings.

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First, if you're looking for some of the best French toast recipes, look no further. Try our reader favorite pumpkin French toast for a cozy fall breakfast idea, tiramisu French toast for an indulgent brunch, or brioche French toast casserole for a make-ahead morning meal perfect for special occasions.

To be honest, I'm not much of a 'breakfast person', but my husband definitely is. Since breakfast is a non-negotiable on our weekends, I'm always looking for easy breakfast recipes or overnight oats flavor ideas to cook together.

French toast is his breakfast of choice, but since it's mostly carbohydrates, I find what to eat with French toast to make it a more balanced meal. With the variety of side dishes and toppings below, learn how to take your morning feast to the next level!

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French Toast Toppings

Simply switching up the toppings we put on French toast can completely change the flavor profile of the meal. Since we eat this dish often, adding a new topping gives us a new breakfast experience.

Bourbon Whipped Cream

Bourbon whipped cream adds a delightful depth of flavor with its rich and slightly sweet notes, complementing the warm and comforting taste of French toast. A dollop of this boozy whipped cream will turn any day into Sunday Funday.

Bourbon Whipped Cream
This easy homemade bourbon whipped cream will be a delicious addition to your desserts or drinks this holiday season!
Check out this recipe
Whipped cream being piped into a mason jar.

Cinnamon Syrup

Drizzle this French toast syrup to add a delightful cinnamon flavor and create a comforting and indulgent breakfast experience.

Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Add cinnamon simple syrup to coffee, cocktails, breakfast, or dessert. Cinnamon syrup is easy to make in 10 minutes using only 3 ingredients - all pantry staples!
Check out this recipe
A brown cinnamon simple syrup in a bowl with a golden spoon.

Mixed Berry Compote

The combination of sweet and tart berries adds complexity to each bite, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish with a burst of freshness. This strawberry compote also pairs well with our stuffed Nutella pancakes.

Simple and Quick Berry Compote
Breakfast, brunch, or dessert - you can use this compote on just about anything to add delicious sweetness. I like to top my pancakes with this compote instead of using plain syrup.
Check out this recipe
Red compote with raspberry and strawberry.

Caramelized Peaches

The warm, syrupy peaches pair beautifully with the soft, eggy bread, creating a luxurious breakfast treat that's perfect for special occasions or leisurely weekend mornings.

Caramelized Peaches
These easy caramelized peaches are perfect when you have too much fruit, or need a fancy looking but simple dessert quickly!
Check out this recipe
Peaches cooking in a skillet.

Sweet Cherry Compote

This cherry compote adds a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color, creating a delightful contrast to the richness of the dish.

Sweet Cherry Compote
Cherry compote is made with frozen cherries which are available all year. It's the perfect topping for cheesecake or vanilla ice cream.
Check out this recipe
Cherry compote in a bowl with a spoon.

Granola

Granola adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, creating a satisfying contrast in texture. This is one of our favorite healthy toppings for French toast. If you're looking for what to serve with French toast as a side or topping, this recipe can be both.

Maple Honey Granola
Start your day on a sweet and crunchy note with this irresistible Maple Honey Granola. Packed with a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
Check out this recipe
Granola in a mason jar.

Blackberry Syrup

Homemade blackberry syrup offers a burst of tangy sweetness that complements the buttery richness of this meal perfectly. We love this sauce for French toast!

Blackberry Simple Syrup Recipe
Use blackberry simple syrup for cocktails, drinks, and desserts. Whip up a batch of homemade blackberry syrup using 3 basic ingredients in only 10 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Glass jar filled with a purple blackberry simple syrup surrounded by fresh blackberries.

Other toppings to consider:

  • Maple syrup
  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh berries
  • Powdered sugar
  • Sliced bananas

French Toast Sides

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day and it's essential to make it a balanced meal that consists of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fat, and fiber. I like to add one of these side dishes when eating French toast to help achieve that.

Still wondering what to serve with French toast - I have you covered with a mix of indulgent and healthy recipes.

Fruit Salad

This healthy French toast side dish adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish, offering a variety of flavors and nutrients to enjoy alongside the meal.

Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
Easy fruit salad recipe! This simple fruit salad is tossed in a sweet citrus dressing for a delicious and easy summer side dish or dessert.
Check out this recipe
A bowl of a fresh fruit salad and a wooden spoon.

High-Protein Overnight Oats (3 Flavors!)

These protein oats provide a hearty and nutritious addition to the meal, offering sustained energy and satiety to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Protein Overnight Oats Recipe
These high protein overnight oats are a quick, no-cook breakfast packed with 35 grams of protein to keep you full for hours. Rolled oats soak overnight with milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, and chia seeds to create a cold, creamy texture you can customize with your favorite flavors. Perfect for busy mornings and effortless meal prep.
Check out this recipe
Three mason jars filled with protein overnight oats with protein powder, chia seeds, and fruit.

Candied Bacon

Bacon has a crispy texture and savory flavor that complement the sweetness of the toast, offering a delicious contrast in taste and texture.

Candied Maple Bacon Recipe
This easy candied maple bacon recipe is a game-changer. With just 4 ingredients, it's a delicious twist to your regular bacon routine.
Check out this recipe
Crispy bacon in a mason jar.

Blueberry Muffin Smoothie

Drink this delicious smoothie for a boost of protein to start the day and one of our favorite healthy sides for French toast.

Blueberry Protein Shake
Fuel your day with a tasty blueberry protein shake, a high-protein breakfast or post-workout snack with the delightful flavor of a blueberry muffin.
Check out this recipe
Blueberry protein shake in a clear glass with a straw. Blueberries, chia seeds, and nuts surround the glass.

Eggs

Eggs provide additional protein and a savory element to balance out the sweetness of the toast, creating a satisfying and well-rounded breakfast.

Fried Eggs in Air Fryer
Learn how to make fried eggs in air fryer! Make your air fryer eggs sunny side up, and enjoy a protein-packed start to your morning!
Check out this recipe
A sunny side up egg and fresh berries.

Grapefruit

This tangy and refreshing fruit provides a palate-cleansing contrast to the richness of the dish, offering a burst of citrusy brightness to the meal.

Grapefruit Breakfast Brulee
This easy Grapefruit Breakfast Brûlée is a delicious, lightly sweetened citrus treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert! (No blow torch? No problem!)
Check out this recipe
A grapefruit cut in half with two spoons.

Sausage

Savory sausage patties or sausage links add protein and are a satisfying and hearty option. Personally, this is one of my favorite French toast sides.

Breakfast Sausage
This homemade Breakfast Sausage recipe is flavor packed. The combination of fresh herbs and seasonings in the pork sausage mixture makes it next level in flavor.
Check out this recipe
A plate with scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage.

Chia Pudding

Chia pudding makes a good side dish for breakfast because it's light, nutritious, and adds a creamy texture. Plus, it's easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to easily enjoy a wholesome and satisfying breakfast combination.

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Chocolate chia seed pudding with coconut milk is a creamy treat. This recipe is easy to meal prep and eat as a healthy breakfast or dessert.
Check out this recipe
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding in a bowl with fresh berries and shredded coconut flakes.

Egg Muffins

These egg muffins are packed with protein and veggies, providing a balanced and nutritious addition to the meal.

Spinach Feta Egg Muffins
If you're looking for an easy and delicious way to up your protein and vegetables at breakfast, these spinach feta egg muffins are it!
Check out this recipe
Egg muffins stacked in a small bowl.

Other side dishes to consider:

  • Yogurt parfait with nuts and berries
  • Scrambled eggs or an omelette
  • Quiche or frittata
  • Fresh cut fruit or berries
  • Cottage cheese

FAQs About French Toast

What is the best bread for French toast?

Choose a thick and sturdy bread that can soak up the egg and milk mixture without becoming too soggy. Using day old or slightly stale bread is best. I prefer using brioche bread when making French toast, but other options like challah, ciabatta, and baguettes also yield excellent results.

How long should you soak the bread in the egg mixture?

Soak the bread for about 30 seconds on each side to ensure that it absorbs enough of the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy.

What ingredients can be added to the egg mixture to enhance the flavor?

Vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt are common additions that enhance the flavor of French toast.

What is the best way to reheat French toast?

The best way to reheat French toast is in the oven or toaster for a few minutes before serving.

More Breakfast Ideas

If you try any of these recipes from Happy Honey Kitchen, please share your experience and leave a comment. Enjoy!

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