Panettone French Toast: A Festive Brunch Delight

Panettone, the quintessential Italian sweet bread studded with candied fruits and raisins, is a holiday staple. But what happens when the holidays are over, and you’re left with half a panettone? The answer is simple: Panettone French Toast! This recipe elevates the classic French toast to a whole new level, transforming the already delicious panettone into a decadent and unforgettable brunch experience. The light and airy texture of panettone soaks up the custard beautifully, creating a soft, custardy interior with a slightly crisp, caramelized exterior. This is the perfect way to use up leftover panettone and impress your family and friends with a truly special and festive breakfast or brunch.

## Why Panettone French Toast is a Must-Try

Forget ordinary bread; panettone adds a unique depth of flavor and texture to French toast that’s simply irresistible. Here’s why you should make this recipe:

* **Flavor Explosion:** The subtle sweetness, citrus notes, and candied fruit in panettone infuse every bite with holiday cheer.
* **Luxurious Texture:** Panettone’s airy crumb soaks up the custard perfectly, resulting in an incredibly soft and tender interior.
* **Easy and Impressive:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, yet it looks and tastes like something you’d find in a gourmet brunch spot.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** A fantastic way to use up leftover panettone after the holidays.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable with different toppings and variations to suit your taste.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final result, so choose wisely:

* **Panettone:** Approximately 6-8 slices, about 1-inch thick. Day-old panettone works best as it absorbs the custard better. If your panettone is very fresh, you can lightly toast the slices in a low oven to dry them out slightly.
* **Eggs:** 4 large eggs. Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor and texture.
* **Milk:** 1 cup whole milk. Whole milk provides richness and creaminess. You can substitute with half-and-half or even heavy cream for an even more decadent French toast.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
* **Orange Zest:** 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest. Complements the citrus notes in the panettone and adds a bright, zesty flavor.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Adds warmth and spice. You can also use a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex flavor.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon salt. Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. For cooking the French toast. You can also use clarified butter or coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Optional Toppings:** Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, toasted nuts, lemon curd, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Panettone French Toast

Follow these detailed instructions to ensure your Panettone French Toast turns out perfectly every time:

**Step 1: Preparing the Custard**

In a large, shallow dish (such as a baking dish or pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Ensure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining. This custard mixture is what will give your Panettone French Toast its signature custardy interior.

**Pro Tip:** For an even smoother custard, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before soaking the panettone.

**Step 2: Soaking the Panettone**

Submerge each slice of panettone into the custard mixture, one at a time, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked. Let the panettone soak for about 1-2 minutes per side. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy. The soaking time may vary depending on the dryness of the panettone. If it’s very dry, you may need to soak it for slightly longer.

**Important Note:** Be careful not to overcrowd the dish, as this will prevent the panettone from soaking evenly. Work in batches if necessary.

**Step 3: Cooking the French Toast**

Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, gently place the soaked panettone slices into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the panettone and the heat of your skillet.

**Pay Attention:** Keep a close eye on the French toast while it’s cooking to prevent it from burning. If it’s browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

**Step 4: Keeping Warm (Optional)**

If you’re making a large batch of French toast, you can keep the cooked slices warm in a preheated oven (200°F or 95°C) while you finish cooking the rest. Place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

**Step 5: Serving and Enjoying**

Serve the Panettone French Toast immediately while it’s still warm and golden brown. Drizzle generously with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and top with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or toasted nuts. A dollop of lemon curd also adds a delightful tanginess that complements the sweetness of the panettone.

## Variations and Customization: Making it Your Own

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize your Panettone French Toast:

* **Boozy French Toast:** Add a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur (such as Amaretto, Grand Marnier, or rum) to the custard mixture for a boozy kick.
* **Chocolate Chip Panettone French Toast:** Fold chocolate chips into the custard mixture or sprinkle them on top of the French toast while it’s cooking.
* **Savory Panettone French Toast:** Omit the vanilla extract and orange zest from the custard mixture and add a pinch of garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Serve with a fried egg and a side of bacon or sausage for a savory twist.
* **Different Bread:** While this recipe is specifically for panettone, you can also use other sweet breads like challah or brioche.
* **Fruit Compote Topping:** Instead of fresh berries, make a quick fruit compote by simmering berries with a little sugar and lemon juice until thickened.

## Tips for the Best Panettone French Toast

* **Use Day-Old Panettone:** Day-old panettone is slightly drier and will absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
* **Don’t Over-Soak:** Soaking the panettone for too long will result in soggy French toast. Aim for about 1-2 minutes per side.
* **Use Medium Heat:** Cooking the French toast over medium heat will ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and prevent the French toast from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Keep Warm in the Oven:** If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven to prevent it from getting cold and soggy.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Try different fruits, sauces, nuts, and creams to find your perfect combination.

## Serving Suggestions: Elevating the Brunch Experience

Panettone French Toast is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your brunch experience:

* **Pair with Sparkling Wine:** The sweetness of the French toast pairs perfectly with a crisp, bubbly glass of Prosecco or Champagne.
* **Serve with Fresh Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad provides a light and healthy counterpoint to the rich French toast.
* **Add a Side of Bacon or Sausage:** For a more substantial brunch, serve with crispy bacon or savory sausage.
* **Offer a Variety of Toppings:** Set up a topping bar with different fruits, sauces, nuts, and creams so your guests can customize their French toast.
* **Brew a Pot of Coffee or Tea:** No brunch is complete without a hot beverage. Offer a selection of coffee, tea, or herbal infusions.

## Panettone French Toast: A Recipe for Celebrations

Panettone French Toast is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Whether you’re using up leftover panettone from the holidays or simply looking for a special brunch treat, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple instructions, and prepare to indulge in a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Happy cooking!

## Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6-8 slices panettone, about 1-inch thick
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup whole milk
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, toasted nuts (for topping)

**Instructions:**

1. In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Submerge each slice of panettone into the custard mixture, one at a time, ensuring both sides are thoroughly soaked. Let soak for 1-2 minutes per side.
3. Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Gently place the soaked panettone slices into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your delicious Panettone French Toast!