Indulge in the Sweetness: Easy Panettone French Toast for a Festive Brunch

Panettone French toast is a truly delightful and simple way to elevate your morning meal, especially during the festive season. Made with thick slices of panettone, the beloved Italian sweet bread, this recipe transforms a classic holiday staple into an extraordinary breakfast. Panettone, renowned for its light, airy, and rich yeasted dough, studded with vibrant candied citrus peels and plump raisins, provides an unparalleled foundation for a truly flavorful and aromatic French toast experience. While it’s particularly popular around Christmastime, its unique flavor profile makes it a fantastic choice any time of the year for a special treat.

I find immense joy in preparing this panettone French toast, not only as a holiday tradition but throughout the entire year. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. French toast, by nature, is easy to master, and since panettone is already bursting with flavor, there’s minimal fuss involved in crafting a truly delicious and impressive breakfast. The delicate sweetness and aromatic notes of the Italian bread infuse every bite, creating a memorable dish that feels both comforting and luxurious.

If you’re captivated by the charm of this panettone French toast, you’ll undoubtedly adore my panettone bread pudding. It offers a similar ease of preparation but provides a different, equally decadent experience by baking in the oven. Both recipes celebrate the unique qualities of this popular Italian sweet cake, showcasing its versatility beyond a simple slice. Whether fried or baked, you’re sure to fall in love with these innovative ways to enjoy panettone.

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What is Panettone? Unveiling the Italian Sweet Bread

Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread, or rather, a rich brioche-like cake, deeply rooted in the country’s culinary heritage. It is customarily enjoyed during the Christmas and New Year’s festivities, becoming a cherished symbol of the holiday season. Originating in Milan, Italy, centuries ago, panettone has transcended its Italian borders to become a beloved festive treat celebrated in countless homes and cultures worldwide.

Distinguished by its tall, dome-shaped appearance, genuine Italian Panettone boasts an incredibly light and airy texture. This characteristic lightness is achieved through a meticulous and lengthy leavening process, often involving multiple risings and a sourdough starter. The dough itself is a rich blend of premium ingredients, including flour, sugar, butter, and eggs. What truly sets classic panettone apart are the additions of candied orange peel, citron, and raisins, which are generously folded into the dough, imparting a sweet, tangy, and aromatic complexity. Beyond the traditional, you can also find variations featuring chocolate chips, pistachios, or almonds, offering a delightful twist on this timeless classic. The delicate balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and a hint of butter makes panettone an ideal bread for soaking up the custardy goodness of French toast.

Why Panettone Makes the Ultimate French Toast

While classic French toast often uses brioche or challah, panettone elevates the dish to an entirely new level. Its unique characteristics make it perfectly suited for this beloved breakfast staple:

• Inherent Flavor Profile: Panettone isn’t just plain bread; it’s already a flavor powerhouse. The candied citrus and raisins baked into the dough infuse it with bright, aromatic, and sweet notes. This means you need fewer additional flavorings for your custard, as the bread itself brings so much to the table.
• Perfect Texture for Soaking: The light, airy, and slightly drier texture of panettone (especially day-old panettone, which is often preferred for French toast) allows it to absorb the egg custard beautifully without becoming overly soggy. It holds its structure during cooking, resulting in a perfectly golden-brown exterior and a tender, moist interior.
• Rich and Buttery Base: The richness of panettone, derived from butter and eggs in its dough, creates a French toast that is incredibly decadent and satisfying. It fries up with a luxurious, almost cake-like quality that regular bread simply can’t replicate.
• Holiday Elegance: Using panettone instantly adds a touch of festive elegance and a gourmet feel to your breakfast. It’s a wonderful way to utilize leftover holiday bread in a truly special and memorable way, making your brunch feel like a celebration.

Essential Ingredients for Your Panettone French Toast

Crafting this exquisite panettone French toast requires just a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this festive delight:

• Panettone: For this recipe, I highly recommend using the classic variety with candied fruit and raisins, as its traditional flavors perfectly complement the French toast. However, feel free to experiment with other delightful panettone flavors such as chocolate, pistachio, or almond for a unique twist. You’ll need approximately one pound of panettone. If you happen to find a two-pound cake, simply use half for this recipe and save the other half. It’s perfectly sized to make a batch of this delicious bread pudding later! Even if your panettone is slightly over a pound (e.g., 17.6 ounces), it will work perfectly fine for this recipe.
• Eggs: These are the foundation of our rich custard. When whisked with the half and half, they create a perfect soaking mixture that coats the panettone slices, ensuring a golden, flavorful crust and a tender interior.
• Half and Half: This provides a creamy base for the custard, adding richness and moisture. If half and half isn’t available, whole milk or a mix of half cream and half milk can be used as effective substitutes, offering similar results.
• Orange Zest: A touch of fresh orange zest is essential. It beautifully amplifies and brightens the inherent citrus notes already present in the panettone, making the flavors pop and adding an extra layer of aroma.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract introduces a subtle warmth and sweetness, harmonizing with the other flavors and adding depth to the custard.
• Butter: Crucial for cooking! Butter not only prevents sticking but also imparts a rich, golden-brown crust and a wonderfully buttery flavor to the French toast as it sizzles in the pan.
• Powdered Sugar and Maple Syrup for Serving: These are classic toppings that add the perfect finish. Powdered sugar lends a delicate sweetness and elegant appearance, while warm maple syrup provides that irresistible sticky, sweet drizzle that completes any French toast.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.

Essential Equipment for Perfect Panettone French Toast

Gathering the right tools will make your panettone French toast preparation smooth and enjoyable. You won’t need anything fancy, just a few kitchen basics:

• Non-stick Grill or Frying Pan: A good quality non-stick pan or griddle is essential for achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust without the French toast sticking. It also ensures even cooking and easy flipping.
• Shallow Dish: A wide, shallow dish (like a baking dish or a pie plate) is ideal for soaking the panettone slices. Its design allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture without crowding.
• Whisk: To thoroughly combine the eggs, half and half, vanilla, and orange zest into a smooth, consistent custard.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula will be your best friend for carefully flipping the delicate panettone slices as they cook, ensuring they remain intact and perfectly browned on both sides.

With these simple items ready, you are well on your way to enjoying a delicious and impressive breakfast!

Step-by-step Directions: Mastering Panettone French Toast

Follow this easy visual guide to help you master the art of making delicious French toast with Italian panettone. The full, detailed instructions are conveniently located on the recipe card below for quick reference.

Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. For the best experience, warm your maple syrup slightly before drizzling.

If you’re making a larger batch and want to keep earlier cooked French toast slices warm, simply preheat your oven to 200℉ (95℃). Place the cooked slices on a baking sheet and keep them in the warm oven until the entire batch is ready to be served.

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Panettone French Toast

Panettone French toast is incredibly versatile, and half the fun is choosing your favorite toppings! Here are some ideas to make your festive brunch even more spectacular:

1. Warm Maple Syrup: The quintessential topping! Its rich, sweet flavor is a classic pairing that complements the panettone beautifully. For an extra touch, try infused maple syrup with cinnamon or vanilla.
2. Fresh Fruit: Brighten your plate with an assortment of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) or sliced oranges. The citrus notes in fresh oranges will particularly enhance the panettone’s inherent flavor.
3. Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious, airy texture and a touch of indulgence, making your French toast feel extra special.
4. Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar is my personal favorite. It provides a delicate sweetness and a beautiful, snowy presentation without overwhelming the panettone’s distinct taste.
5. Toasted Nuts: For added texture and a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts over your French toast. Lightly toast them beforehand to bring out their full flavor.
6. Chocolate Drizzle: Indulge your sweet tooth with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a scattering of chocolate shavings. This pairs exceptionally well with chocolate panettone.
7. Melted Butter: Sometimes, simplicity is best. A pat of good quality salted butter, slowly melting into the warm French toast, enhances its rich, comforting flavors.
8. Fruity Compote or Jam: A sweet and slightly tart fruit compote or jam, such as this homemade blueberry Earl Grey jam or strawberry rhubarb jam, is a match made in heaven. Gently warm it before serving for a syrupy consistency.
9. Ricotta Cheese: For a touch of creamy, Italian-inspired goodness, serve with a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese, perhaps sweetened lightly with honey or lemon zest.
10. Mascarpone Cheese: Similar to ricotta, mascarpone offers a richer, even more decadent creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sweet bread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Your Panettone French Toast

While Panettone French toast is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, its deliciousness doesn’t have to be limited to immediate consumption. Here’s how you can store leftovers or prepare components ahead of time:

Storage

Cooked French toast slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them a convenient option for quick breakfasts throughout the week.

Reheating

To enjoy leftover French toast:

• Microwave: For a quick reheat, gently warm slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
• Stovetop: For a slightly crisper texture, reheat slices in a lightly buttered pan over medium-low heat until warmed through and edges are slightly crisp again.
• Oven/Toaster Oven: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350℉ (175℃). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until desired warmth and crispness are achieved.

Freezing for Longer Preservation

French toast freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat long after the holidays. To freeze:

1. Allow the cooked slices to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Place the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the slices are solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
4. Once frozen, remove the slices from the baking sheet and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
5. Label with the date. French toast can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.

To reheat from frozen, you can toast them directly in a toaster, toaster oven, or pan-fry them until hot and lightly crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panettone French Toast

My Panettone French toast is soggy. What did I do wrong?

Soggy French toast is a common pitfall, but easily avoided! Several factors can contribute to it. Firstly, ensure your panettone slices are cut thick enough—ideally ¾ to 1 inch. If the bread is too thin, it will rapidly absorb too much custard, leading to a saturated, soggy result. Secondly, and most importantly, avoid over-soaking. Panettone is a very absorbent bread. Dip each slice individually into the egg mixture for just a few seconds on each side, allowing any excess liquid to drip off before placing it in the pan. You want the bread to be thoroughly moistened, not swimming in custard.

What does panettone taste like?

Classic panettone boasts a golden hue and a wonderfully rich, buttery taste, reminiscent of a sweet brioche. Its yeasted dough is traditionally studded with candied citrus peels, particularly orange, and plump raisins, giving it delightful hints of fruity and aromatic flavors. The texture is famously light and airy. However, the exact taste can vary depending on the type you choose. Some varieties feature chocolate, chestnuts, or other additions, offering different flavor profiles while retaining that signature rich, sweet bread essence.

How do I choose a good quality panettone?

To ensure you’re getting a high-quality panettone, look for brands that originate from Italy. Authentic Italian panettone often adheres to traditional baking methods. When you open the package, a good panettone will release a strong, pleasant aroma – you should be able to distinctly smell the citrus, vanilla, and butter. Visually, it should have a tall, dome shape. The texture is key: a quality panettone will be delicate, light, and airy, almost pulling apart in strands. Avoid denser, more cake-like varieties, as these often indicate a stale or lower-quality product. Don’t be afraid to try a few different brands to discover your personal preference!

Can I use stale panettone for French toast?

Absolutely, using slightly stale panettone is actually ideal for French toast! Just like with regular bread, day-old or slightly dried-out panettone holds its structure better and absorbs the egg custard more efficiently without falling apart or becoming overly mushy. This ensures a perfectly golden exterior and a tender, moist interior. If your panettone is very fresh, you can leave the slices out on a wire rack for a few hours or even overnight to dry them out slightly before making your French toast.

Other Italian-Inspired Favorites You’ll Love

If this Italian-inspired Panettone French Toast has captured your heart, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other delightful recipes that celebrate the rich flavors and traditions of Italian cuisine:

• Italian Bread Pudding with Panettone
• Peach, Prosciutto and Burrata Panini
• Italian Lemon Drop Cookies
• Roasted Garlic Pesto Sauce

Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.

📖Recipe

Panettone French Toast

Panettone French Toast is a festive and easy breakfast made with thick slices of the beloved Italian sweet bread, studded with candied citrus and raisins. This recipe transforms panettone into a flavorful, golden-brown morning treat that’s perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time

5
minutes

mins

Cook Time

10
minutes

mins

Total Time

15
minutes

mins

Course
Breakfast

Cuisine
American, Italian

Servings
6

Calories

433
kcal

Equipment

• non stick pan or griddle
• shallow pan

Ingredients

 

• 1 1lb (16 oz, or up to 17.6 oz) Italian panettone classic/traditional flavor
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup half and half or milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon orange zest
• butter for pan
• powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving

Instructions

 

• Cut the panettone into vertical slices about ¾-1 inch thick—you will get about 5-6 slices. Then cut the slices in half (I like to make triangles).
  1 1lb (16 oz, or up to 17.6 oz) Italian panettone
• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, vanilla, and orange zest until well combined.
  4 large eggs,
  ½ cup half and half or milk,
  ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract,
  ½ teaspoon orange zest
• Dip the panettone slices in the egg mixture for a few seconds on each side, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Do not over soak.
• Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add about a tablespoon of butter to the pan. When the butter begins to foam, add the panettone slices and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side. Continue with the remaining slices, buttering the pan each time. Serve immediately with maple syrup and powdered sugar.
  butter for pan,
  powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving

Notes

If you want to keep the French toast warm while making a large batch, preheat the oven the 200℉ (95℃). Place the cooked slices on a baking sheet to keep warm until ready to eat.

Nutrition*

Serving:
2
slices


Calories:
433
kcal


Carbohydrates:
45.7
g


Protein:
11.2
g


Fat:
23.3
g


Saturated Fat:
9.6
g


Cholesterol:
211
mg


Sodium:
259
mg


Potassium:
74
mg


Fiber:
2.7
g


Sugar:
14.8
g


Calcium:
78
mg


Iron:
2
mg

*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.

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