Do you have leftover panettone? Then treat yourself to this scrumptious Panettone French Toast! This delicious breakfast recipe is super easy to make, and it's a wonderful way to start your day during the holidays and beyond!
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Panettone is one of my favorite Christmas treats, so I couldn't resist picking up a few loaves this year. I may have been a little over enthusiastic though, because we weren't even home over the holidays. Now I'm trying to use it all up!
Besides enjoying a slice with coffee, there are lots of ways to use this delicious Italian bread. But this French Toast made with Panettone is one of my absolute favorites!
You are going to love this recipe! This rich, sweet bread makes the BEST French Toast. It has wonderful, complex flavor and luscious texture that's totally irresistible. Best of all, it's just as quick and easy to make as the classic recipe.
This is the perfect recipe for using up leftover panettone (or pandoro), even if it's a little dried out. And you can make it with any flavor bread, from traditional fruit-filled loaf to chocolate chip one ... whatever you prefer!
Ready to try this Panettone French Toast for yourself? Then keep reading for all the details!
Ingredients
Apart from the Italian bread, this recipe uses basic ingredients you can find anywhere! Here's what you'll need:
- Panettone - Of course, you'll need some panettone. For this recipe, I used half of a 26.2-ounce (750 gram) loaf, but you can easily scale the recipe down (or up) as needed. I made mine with a traditional fruit-filled loaf, but other flavors such as vanilla or chocolate chip may also be used. Panettone can be pricey, so I like to save more expensive loaves for eating as-is. I used affordable and easy-to-find Bauducco brand here, which works perfectly for this recipe.
- Milk - Use whole milk for best results. Rich, creamy plant based milks (unsweetened) can also be used. I tested the recipe with regular milk and my favorite soy milk, and they both work great!
- Eggs - You'll combine the milk with eggs to make a rich custard for dipping the bread.
- Sugar - The custard is lightly sweetened with granulated sugar. As the bread cooks the sugar caramelizes, making it even more delicious.
- Cinnamon + Vanilla - A little cinnamon and vanilla extract flavors the custard and pairs perfectly with the sweet bread.
- Salt - Just a pinch of salt is all you need to bring out all the other flavors. I recommend using Kosher salt.
- Butter - You'll need unsalted butter to cook the French Toast.
Tip: This breakfast dish is one of the best ways to use leftover panettone! Even if your bread has dried out a bit, the recipe will still turn out perfect.
Panettone is a traditional Italian bread that's typically eaten at Christmas time. This tall, domed bread is made from a sweet, leavened dough that's usually studded with candied fruits (although other flavors are available). It has a moist, delicate texture and a rich, sweet flavor. Panettone was invented in Milan and is often given as a holiday gift.
You'll Also Need
To make this recipe, you'll need a large serrated knife and cutting board to slice the bread, a large shallow bowl to prepare the custard and to soak the bread (a flat serving tray or square baking dish both work great for this), and a whisk to mix the custard together (a flat gravy / sauce whisk is my favorite tool for this!). You'll also need a large nonstick skillet (or an electric griddle) and spatula to cook the toast.
How to Make Panettone French Toast
This yummy panettone breakfast dish couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Make custard. To make the custard, start by whisking together the eggs and sugar until mostly smooth. Then whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Soak bread. Next, add a couple bread slices to the egg mixture and let them soak for about 30 seconds. Tip: If your bread is really dried out, let it soak a little longer.
- Flip and soak other side. Carefully flip the bread to ensure it doesn't break, then soak for another 30 seconds, or until the custard is soaked all the way through the bread. Tip: Whisk the custard again before adding the next batch of bread. This will help ensure that the cinnamon stays evenly distributed.
- Cook toasts. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it's hot, add the soaked bread. Cook until golden brown one side, then flip and continue cooking until browned on the second side. Repeat this process with the remaining bread. Tip: To ensure that your bread doesn't get too soggy, begin heating your pan before you start making the custard. You'll also want to soak your bread in batches ... don't add more than will fit in your frying pan.
And that's all there is to it ... your delicious Panettone French Toast is ready to eat! Wasn't that easy? This recipe makes the perfect no-fuss New Year's or Christmas breakfast that you'll looking forward to eating every year.
Variations
This recipe for French Toast using Panettone is fun and easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Bread - You can easily change up the flavor of this recipe by preparing it with different flavors of panettone, such as fruit-filled, vanilla, or chocolate chip. If you can't find this popular Italian bread, you can make the recipe with brioche, challah, or french bread instead.
- Sugar - Replace with granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer, more caramel flavor.
- Spices - Experiment with other warm spices, such as nutmeg and cardamom. Add them in addition to or instead of the cinnamon.
- Citrus - Replace the cinnamon with a teaspoon of orange and / or lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spiked - Make this recipe extra festive by adding a shot of rum, whisky, or liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Baileys).
Topping Ideas
Don't forget the finishing touches! Any of these simple toppings would be delicious:
- Maple Syrup - A classic that's super scrumptious!
- Butter - In my opinion, a pat of melted butter is a must!
- Fruit - Top your French Toast with fresh fruit (I love blueberries) or cooked fruit, such as sautéed apples or compote. It would be delish with this Blueberry Compote, Strawberry Compote, or Mixed Berry Compote. You could even drizzle this fresh Mango Puree over the top.
- Jam - A spoonful of jam also makes a wonderful topping! Try it with one of my freezer jams, such as Raspberry, Strawberry, or Peach. Tip: If your jam is too thick to drizzle, gently warm it in the microwave first.
- Chocolate - Melted chocolate (or chocolate sauce) is the one topping that no one can resist.
- Nutella - Decadent Nutella would also work great. Gently warm it up in your microwave to give it a drizzling consistency.
- Caramel - For an extra decadent treat, top with a rich caramel, like my Salted Caramel Sauce!
- Powdered Sugar - A sprinkle of powdered sugar is a classic toast topping. Tip: Add the powdered sugar to a fine mesh strainer, then gently shake over the top for the finest texture.
- Whipped Cream - No one can resist a dollop of freshly whipped cream!
- Ice Cream - Turn this easy breakfast into a unique dessert by adding a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Storage
This recipe tastes best when freshly made, however if you end up with leftovers, don't throw them out. Store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for two to three days. Before serving, gently reheat in your microwave or in a well-buttered frying pan over medium-low heat.
Related Recipes
If you're looking for more panettone recipes, make sure to try my crave-worthy Panettone Bread Pudding next! You'll also love these easy breakfast ideas:
- Baked Stuffed French Toast - A morning treat that no one can resist!
- Baked Oats - Super easy to make and fun to customize with different flavors.
- Fonio Porridge - Perfectly cozy for a cold day.
- Granola - Homemade granola is super easy and affordable to make.
- Overnight Oats - My favorite make ahead breakfast.
- Yogurt Parfait - This layered breakfast is always a treat.
- Coffee Cake Muffins - These tasty muffins are easy to make ahead and totally irresistible!
- Breakfast Hand Pies - Total comfort food!
Panettone French Toast
Ingredients
- ½ (26.2-ounce / 750 gram) panettone
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
Equipment
- Large Nonstick Frying Pan (or Electric Griddle)
Instructions
- If starting with a whole panettone, cut in half vertically (reserve one half for another use, or double the recipe). Cut a thin slice to remove the crust from the outer edge, then cut the bread into 3 large (1-inch thick) slices. Cut each slice in half. You should have 6 slices of bread when done. Set aside.
- Heat one tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- While the butter heats, whisk together egg and sugar in a large, shallow bowl (or square baking dish) until smooth. Then whisk in milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and pinch of salt.
- Soak two slices of bread in the egg mixture for about 30 seconds. Flip carefully, then soak for another 30 seconds or until the egg mixture has saturated the bread.
- Carefully transfer the soaked bread to the frying pan. Cook until browned on one side, then flip and cook until browned on the second side (about 5 to 7 minutes total).
- Repeat process with remaining bread, adding one tablespoon butter to the frying pan for every two slices of bread. If your pan gets too hot, remove it from the burner while soaking the bread, or reduce the heat slightly.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as butter and maple syrup. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
