When the holidays arrive, nothing quite brings warmth to the morning like the aroma of freshly made french toast. But this year, why not take your breakfast up a notch? A sweet indulgent twist on the classic French toast, made with the rich, fluffy Italian bread that’s a holiday staple: panettone.
With its airy texture, sweet citrusy notes, and bits of dried fruit, panettone takes your French toast to another level. Whether you’re serving it up for Christmas morning or just treating yourself to a cozy weekend brunch, this dish will definitely impress. Let’s dive into how you can bring this delicious, festive treat to your table.
Why Panettone French Toast?
Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread, packed with raisins, candied orange peel, and that unmistakable citrusy aroma, usually enjoyed around Christmas.It’s naturally sweet, light and fluffy, making it the perfect base for French toast. Not only does it make this dish extra special, but it also brings a unique flavour profile, turning a simple breakfast into something truly delicious.
So, if you’ve got leftover panettone after the holidays ( or just want to treat yourself) this is the perfect way to repurpose it. But if you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry- stop by our store to pick some up or order online!
Ingredients
- 4 slices of panettone ( preferably a couple of days old for the best texture)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup of whole milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- Butter ( for cooking)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting ( optional)
- Fresh berries or citrus slices, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Make the egg mixture: In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the eggs, milk ( or cream), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth. You want it to be like a custard – rich and velvety.
- Soak the panettone: Dip the slice of panettone into the egg mixture, making sure they soak for about 15-20 seconds on each side. Be careful not to let it sit too long, as panettone is very soft and can get soggy. The goal is for the bread to absorb just enough of the custard while still holding its shape.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a generous knob of butter and let it melt. Once the butter is hot and bubbly, add the soaked panettone slices. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft custardy center.
- Serve: Once all the slices are cooked, serve them warm on a plate. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with some powdered sugar, and top with fresh berries or citrus slices for a burst of colour and flavour.
Tips for the Perfect Panettone French Toast
- Use slightly stale panettone: Fresh panettone can be a bit too delicate to soak properly. If you can, use slices that are a day or two old for the best texture and absorption.
- Top it your way: While maple syrup is a classic choice, you can also get creative with honey, fruit preserves, or even a drizzle of chocolate.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap out the milk for almond or oat milk, and use a non-dairy butter substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.
- Add some citrus zest: Panettone is already infused with citrus flavour, but you can elevate it even more by adding a little orange or lemon zest to the egg mixture for an extra burst of freshness.
This Panettone French Toast is the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit while enjoying a comforting, indulgent breakfast. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to make any occasion feel extra special. Come visit us here at Mercato in-store or online to get your panettone this holiday season! Buon appetito!