Best French Toast Recipe (Pain Perdu)
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly made French toast wafting through the house, inviting everyone to the breakfast table. Today, I’m excited to share with you the Best French Toast Recipe (Pain Perdu), a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish that’s rich, custardy, and oh-so-decadent. Made with unsliced brioche bread, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or special brunch gatherings.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a celebration of simple yet luxurious ingredients. The use of brioche bread provides a tender crumb and buttery flavor that elevates the French toast experience. Soaking the brioche in a custard made from egg yolks, half-and-half, and sugar ensures that each slice is infused with flavor and texture. The careful balance of sweetness from the sugar and richness from the yolks creates an irresistible dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings.
Ingredient Notes
- 1 loaf brioche bread (unsliced): The star of the dish. Opt for a fresh loaf for the best results, as it will soak up the custard without falling apart.
- 3 cups half & half: This creamy base brings richness and depth to the custard mixture.
- 5 egg yolks: Adding just the yolks results in a luscious custard, giving the French toast that beautiful golden color and silky texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for adding warmth and depth of flavor.
- 2 pinches salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 6 tablespoons butter: For cooking the French toast, providing a rich, crispy exterior.
Equipment & Tools
- Whisk: For blending the custard ingredients smoothly.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine the custard mixture.
- Skillet or griddle: To cook the French toast evenly.
- Spatula: For flipping the French toast without breaking it.
- Knife: To slice the brioche into thick pieces.
- Serving plates: To present your beautiful creation.
Best French Toast Recipe (Pain Perdu): From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of half-and-half, 5 egg yolks, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 pinches of salt. Whisk together until well blended and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Step 2: Slice the Brioche
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the unsliced brioche loaf into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. The thickness is crucial as it helps the bread absorb the custard without disintegrating.
Step 3: Soak the Brioche
Place the slices of brioche in a shallow dish or baking pan. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each slice is fully submerged. Allow the bread to soak for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through to ensure even soaking.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet or griddle, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Ensure the butter coats the surface evenly for a perfect golden crust.
Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Carefully place a few slices of the soaked brioche into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, transfer the French toast to serving plates. Top with your choice of toppings, such as toasted almonds, fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup, caramel sauce, or chocolate shavings. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Year-Round Variations
- Seasonal Fruits: In spring and summer, top with fresh berries or sliced peaches. In fall, consider adding caramelized apples or pears.
- Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on top for added creaminess and flavor.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in chocolate chips into the custard for a decadent twist.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
- For the best results, use day-old brioche. If your brioche is fresh, you can slightly toast it in the oven before soaking to help it absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs. Just ensure you maintain the same ratios for the custard ingredients.
- If you’re preparing this for a crowd, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, such as challah or sourdough, for unique flavor profiles.
How to Store & Reheat
Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the slices in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
If you want to freeze the French toast, ensure it has cooled completely, then layer the slices between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Helpful Q&A
Can I make the custard ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to whisk it again before soaking the bread.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
If you don’t have half-and-half, you can mix equal parts of heavy cream and whole milk or use whole milk alone for a lighter version.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche is preferred for its richness, challah, or even French bread can work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the soaking time accordingly.
How can I make this gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the brioche with a gluten-free bread that has a similar texture. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Save & Share
If you enjoyed this recipe for the Best French Toast Recipe (Pain Perdu), feel free to share it with friends and family! Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself to a comforting breakfast, this French toast is sure to impress.
In conclusion, the Best French Toast Recipe (Pain Perdu) is a delightful addition to your breakfast repertoire. With its creamy custard and endless topping possibilities, it’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Gather your ingredients, get your skillet ready, and dive into this rich, buttery, and utterly satisfying dish. Bon appétit!
Best French Toast Recipe (Pain Perdu)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of half-and-half, 5 egg yolks, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 pinches of salt. Whisk together until well blended and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the unsliced brioche loaf into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
- Place the slices of brioche in a shallow dish or baking pan. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, allowing it to soak for about 15-20 minutes.
- In a large skillet or griddle, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Ensure the butter coats the surface evenly.
- Carefully place a few slices of the soaked brioche into the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Once cooked, transfer the French toast to serving plates and top with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Use day-old brioche for best results; toast fresh brioche lightly before soaking.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved while maintaining the same ratios.
- Keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven while preparing the rest.
- Experiment with different types of bread for unique flavors.
