Bacon-Stuffed French Toast Sliders Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

• 1 pound bacon
• 1 (12 count) package Hawaiian rolls
• 1/4 cup softened butter, divided
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus more for serving
• Confectioner's sugar, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lay bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet.
2. Bake the bacon in the preheated oven until browned and crisp, about 15 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels. Reduce the oven temperature to 325F (160C).
3. Slice the rolls in half lengthwise. Spread 2 tablespoons of butter over the cut side of the bottom half of the rolls. Evenly top with brown sugar and cayenne pepper.
4. Arrange the bacon slices over the brown sugar mixture.
5. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Place the prepared sandwich halves into the buttered pan.
6. In a separate 9x13-inch baking dish, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, salt, and maple syrup.
7. Add the top half of the rolls to the egg mixture, turning them a couple of times to coat and lightly soak the bread. Let the excess egg mixture drip off, then place the top half of the rolls over the bacon layer.
8. Cover the casserole with foil and discard any excess egg mixture.
9. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
10. After 15 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown and lightly toasted.
11. Spread the remaining butter over the tops of the rolls and cut into 12 servings.
12. Dust with confectioner's sugar and serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 335
• Total Fat: 21g (26% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (41% DV)
• Cholesterol: 82mg (27% DV)
• Sodium: 881mg (38% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g (7% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
• Total Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 17g (34% DV)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (0% DV)
• Calcium: 73mg (6% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (9% DV)
• Potassium: 255mg (5% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Note: If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The Story Behind Bacon-Stuffed French Toast Sliders

Bacon-Stuffed French Toast Sliders are a modern twist on two classic breakfast staples: French toast and bacon sandwiches. While traditional French toast traces its roots to ancient Rome, where stale bread was soaked in a mixture of milk and eggs, the combination with bacon likely emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century, when breakfast innovation became popular in diners and home kitchens alike. The idea of stuffing sweet, fluffy bread with savory bacon reflects the American love for balancing sweet and salty flavors, creating a decadent treat that is as satisfying visually as it is in taste.

Regional Variations and Influences

These sliders are particularly popular in the southern United States, where sweet and savory breakfasts often include maple syrup, brown sugar, and smoked meats. In the South, Hawaiian rolls are favored for their soft texture and slight sweetness, which complements the smoky crispness of bacon. In other regions, variations might use brioche or challah bread instead of rolls, and some recipes include regional syrups such as pecan syrup from the South or Vermont maple syrup in New England, highlighting local agricultural influences.

How They Differ from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional French toast, which is typically served as single slices topped with syrup or powdered sugar, Bacon-Stuffed French Toast Sliders are layered with a generous portion of bacon and baked as a cohesive unit, creating a slider format that is easy to serve and share. Compared to bacon-topped French toast or bacon sandwiches, these sliders integrate bacon directly into the structure of the bread, allowing each bite to balance sweet, savory, and buttery textures. The use of cayenne pepper or brown sugar adds subtle depth, differentiating it from ordinary breakfast sandwiches.

Where They Are Commonly Served

These sliders are often featured at brunch gatherings, church breakfasts, holiday mornings, and catered events due to their crowd-pleasing nature. Their compact size makes them ideal for buffet-style serving, while the baked presentation ensures that they stay warm longer than traditional pan-fried French toast. Cafs and brunch spots across the U.S. have begun offering these sliders as a premium breakfast option, pairing them with coffee or fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Interesting Facts

• The use of Hawaiian rolls in breakfast sliders became a popular trend in the early 2000s after social media and recipe blogs showcased the sweet-and-savory flavor combination.
• Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper enhances the bacon's smokiness and balances the sweetness of brown sugar, demonstrating a clever use of spice in breakfast dishes.
• Bacon-Stuffed French Toast Sliders are often prepared ahead of time and reheated, making them a practical choice for large gatherings without sacrificing flavor.
• The sliders combine multiple American culinary traditions: French-inspired egg-soaked bread, Southern sweet rolls, and classic breakfast bacon, reflecting the melting pot of U.S. cuisine.

FAQ about Bacon-Stuffed French Toast Sliders Recipe

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