Barefoot Contessa’s Delightful Challah French Toast
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Description: Inspired by the charming and elegant Barefoot Contessa, this Challah French Toast recipe is perfect for a romantic breakfast-for-dinner scenario. With its decadent flavor and tender texture, it’s sure to impress anyone at your table. Paired with sausage links or enjoyed on its own, this recipe transforms a simple meal into a special occasion. This French toast is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly, making it a delightful choice for any day of the week.
Category: Breads
Keywords: Breakfast, Grains, Brunch, Less than 30 Minutes, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter (for cooking)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow dish large enough to accommodate three slices of challah side by side, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half until well combined. The dish should be wide enough to allow for easy dipping.
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Flavor the Mixture: Add the freshly grated orange zest, honey, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir gently to ensure that these flavors are evenly distributed.
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Season: Sprinkle the salt into the egg mixture, whisking again to incorporate. This adds a subtle seasoning that enhances the sweetness and flavor of the French toast.
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Soak the Bread: Place three slices of challah bread into the egg mixture, allowing each slice to soak for about three minutes on each side. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, custardy texture in the center of the French toast.
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Heat the Pan: While the bread soaks, heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of oil to the pan. The combination of butter and oil helps achieve a golden-brown crust without burning the butter.
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Cook the French Toast: Transfer the soaked challah slices to the pan, cooking for about three minutes on each side or until each slice is beautifully browned.
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Adjust as Needed: If you’re cooking more slices than can fit in the pan at once, add a little more butter to the pan for each new batch to ensure a rich, buttery flavor throughout.
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Finish Cooking (Optional): If you’re preparing other dishes as well, you can keep the French toast warm in the oven. Simply transfer the cooked slices to an oven-safe dish and place them in a preheated oven set to 200°F (93°C) until the rest of your meal is ready.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your Challah French Toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries. For a complete breakfast-for-dinner experience, pair it with sausage links or your favorite breakfast meats. Enjoy this delightful recipe with your loved ones and savor the cozy, comforting flavors of homemade French toast.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 503.8
- Fat Content: 17.2 grams
- Saturated Fat Content: 5.8 grams
- Cholesterol Content: 384.2 milligrams
- Sodium Content: 738.5 milligrams
- Carbohydrate Content: 63.4 grams
- Fiber Content: 2.6 grams
- Sugar Content: 11.8 grams
- Protein Content: 23.2 grams
This recipe yields four servings, making it a great choice for a small family meal or a cozy brunch with friends. Each bite of this Challah French Toast offers a taste of comfort and elegance, bringing a touch of culinary delight to any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this heartwarming dish with your loved ones!
