Grand Marnier French Toast Recipe
Ah, French toast. It’s like a warm hug on a plate. When I think about cozy mornings, nothing quite beats the aroma of French toast sizzling on the stove. But let me tell you, not all French toasts are created equal.
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Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 1504kcal
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Warm plate
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 8 slices of French bread cut to 3/4-inch thickness
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or another citrus liqueur or 1/4 cup thawed frozen orange juice concentrate (or an alternative orange-flavored liqueur)
- 3/4 cup half-and-half cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for cooking
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Condiments:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Warm maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Let’s get to the best part: making this amazing dish!
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Space
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Clear off your countertop and set up your cooking area. It’s always easier to whip up a dish when you have everything within reach.
Step 2: Whisk the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, crack those eggs and whisk them vigorously. You’re looking for a smooth consistency. Add half-and-half cream, granulated sugar, Grand Marnier, orange zest, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Keep whisking until everything is well blended. It should look rich and creamy.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
- Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to soak the bread. Take a slice of French bread and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. You want it to absorb that delicious flavor without falling apart. Repeat this process for all slices.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
- In a large skillet or griddle, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. You want it hot enough to create a nice sizzle but not so hot that it burns the butter.
Step 5: Cook the French Toast
- Place the soaked bread slices on the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden-brown and crispy. If your pan is crowded, work in batches. Once cooked, set them aside on a warm plate. Don’t forget to melt a small bit of butter between batches for the best flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- When all slices are cooked, it’s time to serve. Dust your Grand Marnier French toast with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. Drizzle with warm maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Notes
- Use Day-Old Bread: This is key. Day-old French bread will soak up the egg mixture better without becoming mushy.
- Experiment with Liqueurs: If Grand Marnier isn’t on hand, try other orange liqueurs or even a splash of rum for a different taste.
- Add More Zest: If you love citrus, feel free to add more orange zest to the egg mixture for an extra zing.
- Baking Option: If you’re feeding a crowd, you can bake the soaked slices in a single layer on a greased baking sheet at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Beyond powdered sugar and maple syrup, consider whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.