Description
French Toast Suzette is a decadent yet light breakfast recipe that combines fluffy brioche or challah bread soaked in a citrus-infused custard and topped with a luscious buttery orange sauce. Brightened with fresh orange and lemon zest, this dish transforms a simple morning meal into a gourmet experience perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
For the Bread:
- 6 slices brioche or challah bread (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
For Cooking and Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided for cooking and sauce)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur (optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk or cream, vanilla extract, sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest until smooth and aromatic. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
- Soak the Bread: Slice brioche or challah into thick pieces (1 to 1.5 inches). Dip each slice into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20 seconds on each side, ensuring it absorbs well without becoming soggy.
- Cook the French Toast: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and slightly bubbling. Place soaked bread slices in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
- Make the Orange Suzette Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and add freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, and a pinch of orange zest. Add a splash of Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur if using. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Place the cooked French toast on serving plates and drizzle generously with warm orange Suzette sauce. Garnish with extra zest or fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better custard absorption without falling apart.
- Soak bread just enough to absorb custard but not to the point of sogginess (about 20 seconds per side).
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the butter and sugar.
- Always use fresh citrus zest for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
- If adding liqueur or flambéing, incorporate it last to control alcohol flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2 slices with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: French Toast Suzette, French Toast, Orange Suzette Sauce, Breakfast, Brunch, Citrus French Toast, Brioche French Toast, Challah French Toast
