When it comes to creative cooking, we all love a little fusion of familiar flavors. And if you’re a fan of both breakfast classics and fast food, one exciting dish might just tick all your boxes: Big Mac French Toast. Yes, you read that correctly—this dish combines the golden, crispy deliciousness of French toast with all the savory, tangy, and satisfying components of a Big Mac. It’s the kind of recipe that will turn your ordinary morning into a taste adventure, blending the comfort of breakfast with the iconic flavors of a beloved fast food burger.
The Big Mac: A Classic Fast Food Icon
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Big Mac, the legendary burger that made its debut in 1968. Known for its iconic triple-layered bun, two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, the Big Mac has become a symbol of McDonald’s worldwide. Its combination of textures—from the juicy patties to the crunch of fresh vegetables, all wrapped in soft sesame seed buns—is the perfect base for this inventive fusion dish.
French Toast: A Comforting Classic
French toast, on the other hand, has a rich history. The dish is thought to date back to Roman times, where it was simply called “Pan Dulcis” and made by soaking bread in milk and eggs before frying it. Over time, French toast has evolved and become a breakfast favorite around the world. Whether topped with syrup, powdered sugar, or even savory ingredients, it has remained a versatile, comforting dish for generations.
Combining the Best of Both Worlds
Now, imagine combining these two beloved dishes into a single meal: Big Mac French Toast. It’s a sandwich, a breakfast, and a fast food burger all rolled into one indulgent creation. Here’s how to make it at home:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 2 slices of thick bread: Preferably a dense, sturdy bread that can hold up to the fillings. A brioche or challah bread works best.
- 2 large eggs: Fresh eggs help create the perfect golden-brown coating.
- 1/2 cup milk: Use whole milk for a rich texture, but you can substitute with any milk or milk alternatives.
- Salt and pepper: To season the egg mixture.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For frying.
For the Big Mac-inspired Fillings:
- 2 cooked burger patties: You can use mini beef patties, either homemade or from a fast food joint.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This is the cheese element, standing in for the classic American cheese from the Big Mac.
- 1/4 cup pickles: Finely chopped pickles give a tangy crunch that’s reminiscent of the Big Mac’s famous pickle taste.
- 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing: This will serve as the “special sauce” in your Big Mac French Toast.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy element.
- 1 slice of tomato: For a juicy burst of flavor.
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish to mimic the iconic sesame seed bun.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the French Toast
- Make the egg mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. This will form the custard-like base for the French toast.
- Heat your skillet: Place a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely.
- Dip and cook the bread: Take the bread slices and dip them one by one into the egg mixture, making sure each slice is evenly coated but not overly soggy. Place the dipped bread on the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Set the French toast aside on a plate.
Step 2: Assembling the Big Mac French Toast
- Layer the filling: Start by placing one slice of French toast on a clean plate. Top it with a cooked mini burger patty, followed by a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the patty will melt the cheese, making for a deliciously gooey center.
- Add the Big Mac toppings: On top of the cheese, add a generous helping of finely chopped pickles, shredded lettuce, and a slice of tomato. These fresh ingredients will give the sandwich the crunch and freshness that’s characteristic of the Big Mac.
- Spread the special sauce: Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the layers. This will replicate the Big Mac’s iconic “special sauce” and add a creamy, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
Step 3: Closing the Sandwich
- Top it off: Place the second slice of French toast on top to create a sandwich.
- Optional sesame seeds: If you want to take this to the next level, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the French toast. This adds an extra touch of authenticity, mimicking the Big Mac bun.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice it up: Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich in half, making it easier to enjoy. The gooey cheese and juicy burger filling will ooze out, so be ready for a flavorful, indulgent bite.
- Serve with more dressing: If desired, serve with an extra side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Tips for Perfecting Your Big Mac French Toast
- Choosing the right bread: For the best French toast, opt for thicker, slightly stale bread. It will soak up the egg mixture better without getting too soggy. Brioche or challah are ideal for a rich, slightly sweet flavor, but feel free to use any bread you like.
- Cooking the burger patties: For a more authentic Big Mac taste, use small beef patties or even sliders. If you want a healthier option, you can use turkey or chicken patties, but beef will give you the classic flavor.
- Adjusting the sauce: If you’re not a fan of Thousand Island dressing, you can use any other creamy dressing you prefer, such as ranch or even a homemade Big Mac sauce.
- Add extra toppings: Feel free to experiment with other classic Big Mac ingredients like onions or even bacon for added flavor. You could also swap out the lettuce for spinach for a different twist.
Why You Should Try Big Mac French Toast
This recipe is perfect for those who crave both breakfast and fast food flavors. It combines the crispy, egg-soaked bread with the savory, juicy flavors of a Big Mac, creating a deliciously unexpected dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fun new twist on a classic breakfast, Big Mac French Toast will definitely make a statement.
It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet, with each bite offering a little bit of everything you love about a Big Mac—all wrapped up in a comforting French toast package.
So, the next time you want something exciting and different for breakfast (or lunch, or dinner), try making your own Big Mac French Toast. You’ll be amazed at how well these two iconic dishes come together!