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French Toast Suzette

French Toast Suzette
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French Toast Suzette is a luxurious twist on classic French toast, featuring thick slices of brioche or challah soaked in a rich custard, topped with a zesty orange sauce and a caramelized sugar crust. This bright, flavorful breakfast dish combines the comforting texture of custardy bread with a sophisticated citrus glaze and a crisp caramel topping, making it perfect for a special brunch or an elegant weekday treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • Thick slices of Brioche or Challah Bread (6-8 slices)

Custard Mixture

  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Orange Sauce

  • 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice (about 2 oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest (from about 1 orange)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Orange Liqueur (optional)

For Cooking and Caramelizing

  • 3 tablespoons Butter
  • Granulated Sugar (for caramelizing, about 2-3 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Orange Sauce: Mix fresh orange juice, orange zest, granulated sugar, and a splash of orange liqueur in a pan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, becoming a vibrant and fragrant glaze.
  2. Make the Custard Mixture: Whisk together eggs, heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract in a shallow bowl until well combined; this custard will soak into the bread, lending rich flavor and creamy texture.
  3. Soak the Bread: Dip thick slices of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, allowing them to soak briefly but thoroughly to ensure tenderness without sogginess.
  4. Cook the Toast: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the soaked bread slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, developing a crisp exterior and soft interior.
  5. Caramelize the Sugar: Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the cooked French toast slices. Using a kitchen torch or broiler, caramelize the sugar carefully until it bubbles and forms a crisp, golden crust.
  6. Serve with Orange Sauce: Drizzle the warm zesty orange sauce generously over the caramelized French toast. Optionally garnish with fresh orange slices, powdered sugar, or mint for enhanced presentation and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose sturdy bread like brioche or challah to hold the custard without falling apart.
  • Use fresh orange zest for essential aromatic oils that juice alone cannot provide.
  • Use room temperature eggs and cream to help the custard soak evenly.
  • Caramelize sugar carefully to avoid burning; watch closely when using a torch or broiler.
  • Serve immediately after caramelizing sugar for the best texture and flavor experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: French Toast, Suzette, Orange Sauce, Caramelized Sugar, Brioche, Challah, Breakfast, Brunch, Citrus, Custard

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/french-toast-suzette/