Decadent Balthazar Brioche French Toast Delight
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Decadent Balthazar Brioche French Toast Delight, a delightful breakfast treat inspired by the famous Balthazar bakery. This recipe transforms day-old brioche or challah into a creamy, custard-drenched breakfast masterpiece that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a special weekend breakfast, this dish is topped with a dusting of confectioners' sugar, and served with warm syrup and fresh fruit or crispy bacon for an elevated culinary experience. Share it with family and friends and watch as they savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
large eggs
6 (beaten)
superfine sugar
1/2 cup (measured)
milk
4 cups (measured)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1 pinch (freshly grated or powdered)
day-old brioche bread or challah
1 loaf (cut into 1-inch slices)
clarified butter
1/4 cup (melted)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
confectioners' sugar
to taste (for dusting)
syrup
as desired (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and superfine sugar until the mixture is frothy and well combined. Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Add the ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2
Arrange the slices of brioche or challah in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring each slice is well coated. Allow the bread to soak for 3 to 5 minutes, then gently flip the slices and let them soak on the other side for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This step ensures the bread absorbs all of the delicious custard.
3
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place a baking sheet or an ovenproof platter in the oven to keep the cooked French toast warm.
4
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of clarified butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 3 to 4 slices of soaked brioche to the skillet. Cook each slice for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely golden brown and crispy. If needed, add a little unsalted butter to the skillet to enhance the browning and add a rich, nutty flavor.
5
Transfer the cooked French toast to the warm baking sheet in the oven. Repeat the process with the remaining bread slices, adding more clarified and unsalted butter as necessary.
6
Once all the French toast is cooked, serve immediately with a generous dusting of confectioners' sugar, a drizzle of warm syrup, and your choice of fresh fruit or crispy bacon. Enjoy this delightful breakfast experience!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
35g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Balthazar Brioche French Toast Delight?
It is a luxurious breakfast dish inspired by the Balthazar bakery that transforms day-old bread into a creamy, custard-drenched masterpiece.
What kind of bread is best for this French toast recipe?
The recipe recommends using day-old brioche bread or challah for the best results.
Why should I use day-old bread instead of fresh bread?
Day-old bread is drier and absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming overly soggy or falling apart.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
The recipe calls for 6 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing.
What type of sugar is used in the custard mixture?
1/2 cup of superfine sugar is used to ensure it dissolves easily into the egg mixture.
How much milk is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 4 cups of milk for the soaking liquid.
What spices are added to the French toast custard?
The custard is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
How thick should the bread slices be cut?
The brioche or challah should be cut into 1-inch thick slices.
How long should the bread soak in the custard?
Soak the slices for 3 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip and soak for another 3 to 5 minutes on the other side.
What is the purpose of flipping the bread during soaking?
Flipping ensures that each slice is evenly coated and fully absorbs the delicious custard.
At what temperature should the oven be set to keep the French toast warm?
The oven should be preheated to 200 F (93 C) to keep cooked slices warm.
What type of fat is used for frying the French toast?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of clarified butter for frying, with additional unsalted butter added for flavor.
Why is clarified butter used instead of just regular butter?
Clarified butter has a higher smoke point, which prevents it from burning while frying the bread until golden brown.
How long does it take to cook each slice of French toast?
Cook each side for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat.
How many slices should be cooked at one time?
It is recommended to cook 3 to 4 slices at a time in a medium skillet to avoid overcrowding.
What is the final texture of this French toast?
It results in a texture that is crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.
What are the recommended toppings for this dish?
Common toppings include a dusting of confectioners' sugar and a drizzle of warm syrup.
Can I serve this French toast with fruit?
Yes, serving it with fresh fruit is highly recommended for an elevated culinary experience.
What savory item pairs well with this sweet breakfast?
Crispy bacon is a perfect savory accompaniment to the sweet French toast.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this French toast recipe?
One serving contains 35 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content per serving?
The recipe has 14 grams of fat per serving.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 10 distinct ingredients listed for this French toast delight.
Should the egg and sugar mixture be frothy?
Yes, you should whisk the eggs and superfine sugar until the mixture is frothy and well combined.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for brunch gatherings or a special weekend breakfast.
How do you achieve a rich, nutty flavor when frying?
Adding a little unsalted butter to the skillet during browning enhances the flavor with rich, nutty notes.
What is the first step in preparing the custard?
The first step is whisking together the eggs and superfine sugar in a large mixing bowl.
How should the cooked French toast be served?
It should be served immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.