Challah French Toast
This recipe guides you through creating luxurious Challah French Toast. Slices of rich challah bread are soaked in a flavorful egg, half-and-half, and citrus batter, then pan-fried until golden brown. The finished toast is kept warm in the oven, ensuring every serving is hot and delicious, perfect for a decadent breakfast or brunch.
Equipment
- 1 Large Shallow Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Very Large Saute Pan
- 1 Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Main
- 6 extra-large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or milk
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon good honey
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large loaf challah or brioche bread
- Unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil
- Pure maple syrup
- Good raspberry preserves optional
- Sifted confectioners' sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
- In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, orange zest, vanilla, honey, and salt. Slice the challah in 3/4-inch thick slices. Soak as many slices in the egg mixture as possible for 5 minutes, turning once.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a very large saute pan over medium heat. Add the soaked bread and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until nicely browned. Place the cooked French toast on a sheet pan and keep it warm in the oven. Fry the remaining soaked bread slices, adding butter and oil as needed, until it's all cooked. Serve hot with maple syrup, raspberry preserves, and/or confectioners' sugar.
Notes
1. Challah or brioche bread is ideal due to its rich, eggy texture, which absorbs the custard beautifully without falling apart. Ensure slices are uniform for even cooking.
2. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches to maintain proper pan temperature, which is crucial for achieving a golden, caramelized crust.
3. The butter and oil combination is key. Butter provides superior flavor, while oil helps prevent the butter from burning at higher temperatures, ensuring a consistent golden-brown finish.
4. The orange zest adds a subtle, bright counterpoint to the richness of the French toast. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can also elevate the spice profile.
5. Keep finished slices warm in a low oven to ensure they are all hot when serving. This also allows guests to enjoy them fresh off the pan.
2. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches to maintain proper pan temperature, which is crucial for achieving a golden, caramelized crust.
3. The butter and oil combination is key. Butter provides superior flavor, while oil helps prevent the butter from burning at higher temperatures, ensuring a consistent golden-brown finish.
4. The orange zest adds a subtle, bright counterpoint to the richness of the French toast. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can also elevate the spice profile.
5. Keep finished slices warm in a low oven to ensure they are all hot when serving. This also allows guests to enjoy them fresh off the pan.