French Toast Roll-Ups Recipe

If you’ve never tried French Toast Roll-Ups, you’re in for a truly delightful treat! Imagine everything cozy and nostalgic about classic French toast, but reimagined as warm, golden, handheld bundles filled with creamy goodness. These irresistible roll-ups are a game changer for breakfast or brunch, combining fluffy bread, a decadent filling, and sweet cinnamon-sugar crunch. They look oh-so-impressive, yet are wonderfully easy to make, and every bite just makes you want another. Whether you’re treating yourself, surprising the family, or impressing guests, French Toast Roll-Ups are the ultimate quick fix for a breakfast that feels special any day of the week.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of making French Toast Roll-Ups is the short and simple ingredient list. Each staple pulls its weight in flavor, texture, and appearance, making these roll-ups both easy and irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Soft white bread: The perfect blank canvas that gets beautifully crisp outside and stays tender within, making roll-ups easy to shape.
• Cream cheese (or Nutella/jam): Brings decadence and a hint of tangy richness, but you can swap for your favorite sweet spread for a personal twist.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the crust, giving every bite some sparkle.
• Cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile and plays perfectly with the sweetness for classic French toast vibes.
• Large eggs: Essential for the custardy coating that transforms bread into golden French toast.
• Whole milk: Brings richness and helps whisk the egg mixture into a smooth bath for the bread.
• Vanilla extract: Lends a gentle fragrance and extra flavor depth to the custard.
• Butter (for cooking): Delivers that beautiful golden color and a hint of savory richness as the roll-ups fry.

How to Make French Toast Roll-Ups

Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, combine your granulated sugar and cinnamon. This might sound simple, but yielding that perfect sweet-spicy blend is where the magic begins! Set it aside for the finishing touch at the end, because when your hot roll-ups take a tumble in this mix, they’re instantly upgraded to breakfast stardom.

Step 2: Flatten the Bread

Take your crustless slices of bread and, using a rolling pin, gently but firmly roll them out to about half their original thickness. This makes the bread flexible for rolling and ensures it cooks up perfectly. Don’t skip this step—it’s key to getting those beautiful spirals and the right bite!

Step 3: Spread the Filling

Now, it’s time for creativity! Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese—or Nutella or jam if you’d like a different flavor—across each slice. Try to go right up to the edges so every bite has a little filling surprise. This step is what gives French Toast Roll-Ups their signature creamy middle.

Step 4: Roll and Seal

Starting from one end, roll up each bread slice as tightly as you can without tearing the bread. The firmer the roll, the better they’ll hold together in the skillet. Got a slightly open seam? Just press gently; the egg dip will help seal it later.

Step 5: Dip in Egg Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. Dip each roll-up in, turning to coat all sides evenly, but don’t soak them too long—just a quick bath to help them crisp up beautifully as they cook.

Step 6: Cook Until Golden

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Add the roll-ups seam side down and let them sizzle for 2–3 minutes per side, rotating to brown them gently all over. That deep golden color is your cue to the ultimate texture—crisp on the outside, soft within.

Step 7: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While the roll-ups are still warm from the pan, immediately roll them in your prepped cinnamon-sugar blend. This step crystalizes their crispy outsides with sweet, cinnamony sparkle. Serve them straight away—they’re absolutely glorious warm!

How to Serve French Toast Roll-Ups

Garnishes

A finishing flourish can turn French Toast Roll-Ups into a showstopping breakfast. Dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or add a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. Whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon never hurt either!

Side Dishes

Pair your French Toast Roll-Ups with fresh fruit salad, crisp bacon, or a chilled yogurt parfait. They also go wonderfully with a hot mug of coffee or a glass of orange juice for a balanced start to your day. For brunch, consider serving with scrambled eggs or roasted potatoes on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, stack French Toast Roll-Ups like logs on a breakfast platter or arrange them upright in a mason jar for dipping. Skewer them with fresh fruit between each roll-up for a brunch kebab, or serve mini versions for a fun kid-friendly snack spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any French Toast Roll-Ups left, let them cool completely before storing. Pop them into an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. The cinnamon sugar will soften a bit but they’re still delicious warmed up again.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze French Toast Roll-Ups for longer storage. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then pack in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month and make for a speedy future breakfast treat.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat French Toast Roll-Ups in a toaster oven or air fryer to recapture that crispy outside. A regular oven works, too—just 5–7 minutes at 350°F. The microwave is the quickest option, but use a low setting so they don’t become soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread?

Absolutely! While soft white bread gives the classic texture, you can experiment with brioche, challah, or even whole wheat for a slightly richer or heartier roll-up. Just make sure your bread is soft enough to flatten and roll without cracking.

Do French Toast Roll-Ups work with savory fillings?

They sure do! Try spreading softened goat cheese, herbed cream cheese, or even a thin layer of pesto and cheese for a unique savory brunch option. Just skip the cinnamon sugar finish and instead sprinkle with grated Parmesan or herbs.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese or a fruit spread for the filling. Just as tasty, and everyone gets to enjoy French Toast Roll-Ups regardless of dietary needs.

How do I prevent my roll-ups from falling apart during cooking?

Rolling the bread tightly and making sure the seam is on the bottom when you place them in the skillet helps a lot. Don’t oversoak in the egg mixture, and let them cook undisturbed for a minute or two to help them “set” before turning.

What are some fun add-ins for the filling?

Get creative! Sliced strawberries, bananas, peanut butter, or mini chocolate chips are all fantastic. Layer thinly so the roll-ups still seal well, and you’ll have a new flavor adventure every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing homemade French Toast Roll-Ups with the people you love. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or just a cozy treat, each batch brings smiles all around. Give them a try—chances are they’ll become a repeat request at your table!

Print