Description
French Toast Suzette is an elegant and flavorful twist on the classic French toast, featuring thick slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and topped with a bright, buttery orange sauce. Perfect for brunch or special occasions, this dish balances sweet, tangy, and rich flavors with a beautiful presentation that’s simple to make in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Custard
- 6 thick slices brioche or challah bread
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Orange Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional)
Garnishes (optional)
- Extra orange zest
- Fresh mint leaves
- Thin orange slices
- Powdered sugar
- Candied orange peel
Instructions
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the sugar and orange zest, cooking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture bubbles lightly. Add the fresh orange juice and orange liqueur if using. Let the sauce simmer gently while you prepare the French toast.
- Whisk the Custard: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. This custard mixture will soak into the bread slices, making them tender and flavorful.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of thick-cut bread into the egg custard, allowing it to soak for about 30 seconds. Make sure the bread absorbs enough custard without becoming soggy.
- Fry the French Toast: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the soaked bread slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Combine Toast and Sauce: Transfer the fried French toast slices into the skillet with the simmering orange sauce. Spoon the sauce over the toast slices, letting them soak and warm through for a minute or two to absorb the citrus flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the French Toast Suzette, drizzle with any remaining sauce, and garnish with extra orange zest or fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thick-cut, sturdy bread like brioche or challah to hold the custard properly.
- Do not over-soak the bread to avoid a mushy texture.
- Fry on medium heat to cook the toast through without burning.
- Always use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Prepare the orange sauce just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 slice with sauce)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: French toast, Suzette, orange sauce, brunch, breakfast, citrus, easy recipe, elegant brunch
