Panettone French Toast

By nmandersen

A spongy golden Italian egg bread studded with dried fruits, panettone is traditionally served during the Christmas holidays. Here we transform this sweet bread into a delicious version of French toast.

Ingredients

• 1/2 purchased panettone, about 1 lb.
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• Grated zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 Tbs. Cointreau or other orange liqueur (optional)
• 3 Tbs. granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
• Softened unsalted butter for brushing
• Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
• Warm maple syrup for serving

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from williams-sonoma.com

Preparation

Step 1

Cut the panettone into 5 or 6 vertical slices, each 1 inch thick. Discard the end slices. Cut the remaining slices in half.

In a bowl, whisk the eggs until just blended, then whisk in the milk, orange zest, orange juice, Cointreau, granulated sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour the egg mixture into a large, shallow bowl (you may need 2 bowls) and add the bread slices. Soak, turning once, about 10 seconds per side.

Heat an electric griddle on medium heat and brush with butter. When the butter foams, add a few of the bread slices (do not overcrowd). Cook, turning once, until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Turn the slices over again and cook for a few minutes more per side until browned to your taste. 


Using a slotted metal spatula, transfer the French toast to serving plates, place them in the oven and turn the oven to 200°F. Repeat to cook the remaining bread slices.

Dust the French toast with confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately with maple syrup.