As I walk into my local First Watch on a sunny Florida morning, the smell of fresh coffee and sizzling bacon instantly transports me back to my childhood. But as much as I love the classic breakfast fare, there’s one item on the menu that always catches my eye – the Floridian French Toast. This sweet and fruity twist on traditional French toast is the perfect way to start your day with a smile.
In this post, I’ll share my copycat First Watch Floridian French Toast Recipe for making this delicious French toast at home. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, yet feels like a special weekend treat. The best part is piling on the fresh fruit toppings that give this breakfast its Floridian flair.
What Makes This French Toast So “Floridian”?
Two words – tropical fruit. This French toast gets topped with a medley of banana, strawberry, and kiwi. It adds natural sweetness while also giving it a fun, fruity flair. I don’t know about you, but this takes me right to the sunny Florida beaches in my mind!
The rich French toast batter also helps set this recipe apart. It’s flavored with brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon – a combination that takes the toast’s flavor up a notch. Trust me, after one bite you’ll be transported right to paradise.
Ingredients Needed
First Watch French Toast Batter:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half & half
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Floridian French Toast:
- 1/2 cup of First Watch French Toast batter (for 1 serving)
- 2 thick slices brioche bread
- 1/4 cup wheat germ (optional)
- 1 banana, sliced
- 3 strawberries, quartered
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- Powdered cinnamon sugar (for sprinkling)
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Baking Dish
- Pan or Skillet
- Spatula
- Plate for Serving
- Knife (for slicing fruit, if needed)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Floridian French Toast
Step 1. Prepare the First Watch French Toast Batter:
In a mixing bowl, add 2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups of half & half, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Then, give them a good mix.
Step 2. Make the Floridian French Toast:
Heat a pan over medium heat and add butter.
Take 2 thick slices of brioche bread and dip each side into the First Watch French Toast batter, making sure both sides are fully covered.
Cook the bread for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Optionally, sprinkle wheat germ on top of the bread during cooking for added toasty goodness (Note: I omitted this step).
Step 3. Assemble the Floridian French Toast:
Place the cooked French toast on a plate.
Top it with sliced bananas, quartered strawberries, and peeled and sliced kiwi.
Sprinkle with powdered cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish.
Tips for Making the Best Floridian French Toast
- Use good quality brioche bread. Its high egg and butter content makes it perfect for French toast.
- Allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes before dipping. This allows the bread to fully soak up the liquid.
- Use ripe, in-season fruit for the best flavor. Bananas should have brown speckles and strawberries and kiwi should be juicy.
- Cook over medium heat for even browning. Going too hot can burn the outside before the middle cooks.
- Add a pat of butter to the pan between batches. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Want an even easier morning? You can prep the French toast batter the night before:
Make the batter as instructed and store covered in the fridge overnight. Then simply cook the French toast as directed in the morning!
The fruit toppings can also be prepped in advance:
Clean, slice, and store the fruit toppings in individual containers or bags. Pull them out when ready to use.
By doing most of the work the night before, you can enjoy fresh Floridian French toast with minimal effort.
Mix It Up! Recipe Variations
While the classic Floridian is my favorite, this First Watch Floridian French Toast Recipe lends itself nicely to creativity. Try these fun variations:
- Berry Oatmeal – Swap the bread for oatmeal, and top with your favorite mixed berries.
- Apple Pie Style – Use cinnamon raisin bread, sliced apples, cranberries, and pecans for topping.
- Tropical – Make it extra Floridian with pineapple slices, coconut, and a drizzle of rum syrup.
- S’mores – Drizzle chocolate sauce on the toast, and top with roasted marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.
What to Serve with Floridian French Toast
A breakfast spread like this deserves equal treatment on the side dishes too! Here are some tasty companions for your Floridian French Toast:
- Fresh fruit salad – highlighting the flavors already on top
- Crispy bacon or sausage – for a savory contrast
- Home-fries or hashbrowns – a classic breakfast pairing
- Yogurt parfait with granola – for a light and tangy balance
- Avocado toast – more fresh flavor and crunch
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To store: Allow cooked French toast to cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Keep fruit in a separate container.
To reheat: Place refrigerated French toast slices on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 4-6 minutes until warmed through. Top with the fresh fruit just before serving.
Microwaving will make the bread soggy, so reheating in the oven is best. The key is to warm without over-browning the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common FAQs about First Watch Floridian French Toast Recipe:
Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?
While brioche makes the richest French toast, you can substitute sliced challah or even regular white bread in a pinch. Just may need to soak the slices a bit longer in the batter.
How do I cut the kiwi neatly?
An easy trick is to cut off the top and bottom ends first, then stand the kiwi upright. Use a paring knife to slice down along the outside to remove the skin. Then make angled slices into rounds.
Is the wheat germ necessary?
The wheat germ is optional – it just adds extra crunch and nuttiness! But you can certainly omit it if you don’t have it on hand.
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen strawberries, banana slices, etc before topping the French toast.
What kind of pan should I use?
A nonstick skillet or flat griddle will work best to get the toast evenly golden. Avoid cast iron which may react with the eggs.
Final words
I hope you enjoy this First Watch Floridian French Toast Recipe for recreating First Watch’s signature Floridian French Toast at home. With its tropical fruit layers and lightly spiced custardy bread, it’s the ultimate morning meal.
The step-by-step instructions make it easy to whip up for a special weekend brunch. Or even quick enough to satisfy on a hectic weekday!
Let me know if you give this Floridian French Toast a try. I’d love to hear how it goes and if you have any other fun flavor variations I should try next! Now it’s time for me to go grab some brioche…
