French toast always reminds me of Sunday mornings. The smell of cinnamon and warm butter drifting through the house, waking everyone up with a gentle nudge. It’s a simple comfort, wouldn’t you agree?

Cracker Barrel’s version is especially delightful. Thick slices of bread, soaked just right, and cooked to a golden brown perfection.

But, I thought, what if we took that classic and gave it a little somethin’ extra? A little touch of homemade goodness.

That’s where the idea for Cinnamon Roll Glaze came in. Imagine that warm, gooey, slightly tangy frosting, the kind you find on a perfect cinnamon roll, drizzled over your French toast.

It’s a sweet, spicy hug for your taste buds, y’all. And trust me, it elevates this already wonderful breakfast to a whole new level. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Now, I’ve always been partial to Cracker Barrel’s breakfast menu. There’s just something comforting about it, isn’t there?

But their French toast, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. It’s thick, custardy, and perfectly golden brown every single time.

Recreating that at home seemed like a worthy challenge, and I think I’ve cracked the code.

The key, I’ve found, is starting with the right bread. You want something sturdy, like a good brioche or challah, that can soak up all that delicious custard without falling apart.

And speaking of custard, the ratio of eggs to milk is crucial. Too much milk, and you’ll end up with soggy French toast. Not enough, and it’ll be dry. We want that sweet spot.

Of course, the real magic here, the little twist that takes this Cracker Barrel copycat to the next level, is the Cinnamon Roll Glaze.

It’s a simple addition, really. But that touch of cinnamon-y sweetness drizzled over each slice just elevates the whole experience. It reminds me of a warm hug on a Sunday morning.

Trust me, y’all. This is one breakfast you won’t want to miss.

When I’m feeling a little homesick, nothing quite hits the spot like a good, old-fashioned Cracker Barrel breakfast. The warm, comforting flavors always bring back fond memories of simpler times. But sometimes, I like to give a classic a little twist, something that elevates it to the next level.

For this Cracker Barrel French Toast recipe, we’re going to keep the cozy flavors we all know and love, but we’re adding a special touch: a luscious cinnamon roll glaze. It’s the perfect complement to the custardy, vanilla-kissed toast, trust me. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 6 slices of thick-cut bread (Challah or Brioche work best)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking

For the Cinnamon Roll Glaze:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

I always encourage y’all to use the best quality ingredients you can find. It really does make a difference in the final result. Fresh eggs, good bread, and real butter are key to achieving that authentic Cracker Barrel taste, just with a little something extra.

There’s just somethin’ so comforting about Cracker Barrel French Toast, isn’t there? It’s that perfect balance of sweet, custardy goodness with a hint of warm spice. I’ve always loved it, and I wanted to put my own spin on it, y’all. So, I thought, what could make this already delicious breakfast even better? Cinnamon roll glaze, of course!

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. Set aside while you prepare the French toast.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Base

In a shallow dish (like a pie plate), whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. Allow the bread to soak for about 15-20 seconds per side. This ensures the French toast will be nice and soft on the inside. Don’t overcrowd the dish.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Drizzle

Place the cooked French toast on a serving plate. Now, for the best part, drizzle generously with that homemade cinnamon roll glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite. I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

Serving up a batch of warm, golden Cracker Barrel French Toast is a treat in itself, but presentation can elevate the experience.

I prefer to keep it simple and let the flavors shine.

A dusting of powdered sugar is always a lovely touch. It adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty visual appeal.

Of course, a generous drizzle of maple syrup is a must for many. Warm syrup is best, in my opinion, for soaking into every nook and cranny.

Now, for my little twist, the Cinnamon Roll Glaze. Oh, it’s divine!

Instead of maple syrup, or alongside it, try drizzling that glaze over the warm French toast. The cinnamon and vanilla notes complement the eggy bread beautifully.

It adds a creamy richness that is so comforting. This glaze is just the thing.

For a bit of freshness, consider adding some berries. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are all wonderful choices.

They provide a burst of juicy flavor and a pop of color.

If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream never hurts. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the cream adds a warm, inviting aroma.

And don’t forget the butter! Butter is essential. A pat of softened butter melting into the warm French toast is pure comfort food.

Whether you keep it classic with syrup and butter or venture out with berries and my Cinnamon Roll Glaze, Cracker Barrel French Toast is sure to be a hit.

Enjoy, y’all!

Now, if you’re anything like me, you might just make a *tad* too much French toast sometimes. Especially when that Cinnamon Roll Glaze is involved. It’s just too tempting not to go back for seconds, or even thirds!

Storing leftover French toast is simple, thankfully. Let the French toast cool completely on a wire rack. This keeps it from getting soggy.

Once cooled, stack the slices in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between each slice. This will prevent them from sticking together.

You can store the French toast in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Or, for longer storage, pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat, you have a few options. My favorite way is in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until warmed through and slightly crisp. It brings back that lovely texture.

You can also microwave it, but be aware that it might get a little soft. If you’re in a hurry, though, it’ll certainly do the trick. About 30-60 seconds should be plenty.

Freezing? Just reheat directly from frozen. It might take a few extra minutes to warm all the way through.

As for reusing, don’t limit yourself to just breakfast! Leftover Cracker Barrel French Toast, especially with that delightful Cinnamon Roll Glaze, can be transformed into other treats.

Consider cutting it into cubes and using it as the base for a bread pudding. The sweetness is already built in! You could also grill it like a panini with ham and cheese for a sweet and savory lunch. Delicious!

And for a truly decadent dessert? Crumble it over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with more of that Cinnamon Roll Glaze. Now that’s what I call a sweet ending.

Now, I know we all have our own little touches we like to add to our favorite recipes, and this Cracker Barrel French Toast, with its special cinnamon roll glaze, is no exception. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• Bread: While I adore using thick-cut Texas toast, brioche or challah bread work beautifully too. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free bread. Just be sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
• Milk: You can substitute the milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Coconut milk will add a hint of coconut flavor.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Sweetener: Instead of granulated sugar, you can use brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to sweeten the custard. Each will add a unique depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon Roll Glaze: While I’m partial to my cinnamon roll glaze (it really does take this French toast to the next level!), you can use a classic powdered sugar glaze or even a drizzle of maple syrup. For the powdered sugar glaze, mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Fresh berries, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips are all delicious choices.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you love. So don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this Cracker Barrel French Toast recipe. Enjoy, y’all!

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about this beloved breakfast dish.

What makes Cracker Barrel French Toast so special?

Cracker Barrel’s French toast is known for its thick-cut bread and custardy interior, offering a comforting, classic taste. It’s that homestyle simplicity that keeps folks coming back. I like to elevate that classic taste by adding a touch of homemade cinnamon roll glaze.

Can I use different types of bread for Cracker Barrel French Toast?

While the original uses thick-cut bread, you absolutely can experiment. Brioche or challah work wonderfully, soaking up the custard beautifully. Even a hearty sourdough can bring a delightful tang to the dish. Just be sure to adjust your soaking time accordingly. With the cinnamon roll glaze, I prefer something that offers a little bit of sweetness on its own, like brioche.

What is the secret to the creamy custard for Cracker Barrel French Toast?

The key lies in the ratio of eggs to milk or cream. A generous amount of eggs creates that rich, custardy texture. Be sure to whisk the mixture thoroughly to combine the yolks and whites evenly. Some folks add a splash of vanilla extract, which I think pairs wonderfully with my cinnamon roll glaze.

How do I keep Cracker Barrel French Toast from getting soggy?

Avoid overcrowding the skillet or griddle. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, which leads to steaming instead of browning. Also, ensure your bread isn’t overly saturated with the custard mixture. A quick dip on each side is sufficient. Keeping the oven warm and placing the cooked french toast in there to stay warm and crisp is a great option as well.

Can I prepare Cracker Barrel French Toast ahead of time?

You can certainly whisk together the custard mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to cook the French toast fresh for optimal texture. The cinnamon roll glaze is definitely best when made fresh. The warmth of the freshly cooked French toast melting that glaze? Pure bliss. But the custard mixture will keep just fine until you are ready to cook.