Citrus-Infused Pain Perdu
Citrus-Infused Pain Perdu is a delicious twist on traditional French toast, inspired by the vibrant flavors of New Orleans. This indulgent dish features thick, tender slices of crusty white bread that soak up a delightful custard made with eggs, milk, and a splash of fragrant orange liqueur. The hint of orange zest adds a refreshing citrus aroma that elevates the dish to new heights. Perfect for special occasions or leisurely weekend brunches, this recipe serves 12 slices of blissful, golden-brown perfection, best enjoyed warm with your choice of toppings.
12
Servings
175
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
5 (raw, beaten)
white sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
milk
1/2 cup (whole or 2%)
orange liqueur
2 tablespoons (like Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
orange zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
white bread
12 slices (thick-cut)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together until they are fully beaten, creating a light and airy texture.
2
Add the granulated sugar, milk, orange liqueur, and freshly grated orange zest to the bowl, and continue to whisk the mixture until everything is well combined and the sugar dissolves.
3
Transfer the custard mixture into a shallow baking dish or pan to facilitate soaking the bread.
4
One by one, immerse each slice of thick-cut white bread into the custard mixture, allowing them to soak for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they are thoroughly saturated.
5
Preheat a griddle or large frying pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
6
Carefully place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle. Cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and are cooked through.
7
Once cooked, serve the Pain Perdu hot, garnishing with your favorite toppings such as powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
20g
Carbs
5g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Pain Perdu?
It is a New Orleans-inspired twist on French toast made with thick white bread soaked in a citrus-flavored egg custard.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 servings or slices of Pain Perdu.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Thick-cut, crusty white bread is recommended for optimal custard absorption and texture.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 5 raw, beaten eggs for the custard base.
What kind of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of either whole or 2% milk.
How much orange liqueur is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
What gives the dish its citrus aroma?
The citrus aroma comes from 1 teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest and the orange liqueur.
How long should I soak the bread slices?
Soak each slice for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they are thoroughly saturated.
What is the cooking temperature?
The Pain Perdu should be cooked on a griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
How long does it take to cook each side?
Each side takes about 1 to 2 minutes to reach a golden-brown color.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4.2 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each slice provides 5 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per slice?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I use to grease the pan?
You can use cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
What are recommended toppings for Pain Perdu?
Recommended toppings include powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated white sugar.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them until they are fully beaten.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There is approximately 0.25 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I make this recipe for a brunch?
Yes, it is categorized as a breakfast and brunch dish, perfect for leisurely weekend meals.
What kind of texture should the whisked eggs have?
The eggs should be whisked until they create a light and airy texture.
Do I need to dissolve the sugar?
Yes, whisk the custard mixture until the sugar is well combined and dissolved.
What kind of dish is best for soaking the bread?
A shallow baking dish or pan is best to facilitate soaking the bread slices.
How do I know when the bread is cooked?
It is ready when it achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and is cooked through.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
Pain Perdu is best enjoyed when served hot.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and a sweet bread recipe.
How many main ingredients are there?
There are 6 main ingredients: eggs, white sugar, milk, orange liqueur, orange zest, and white bread.
What is the origin inspiration for this dish?
The recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors of New Orleans.
What is 'Pain Perdu' often called in English?
It is often referred to as French toast.
Is there a specific preparation for the orange zest?
The orange zest should be freshly grated for the best flavor.