Decadent Creme Brulee French Toast

With a little bit of preparation, you can make even breakfast a gourmet meal! Enter this decadent creme brulee french toast. With orange liqueur and some thoughtful preparation, we have elevated a simple breakfast dish to a whole new level. This recipe is easy to make in large quantities, which makes it even better for the holidays, when you have to feed a group of family and friends. The rich, puffy crust and tender, flavorful bread are sure to make this a new favorite for anyone that tries it. We use challah for extra thick french toast, but recommend any country-style bread to create the best french toast possible. Enjoy!

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Ready in: 9 Hours

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons corn syrup
6 (1-inch thick) slices French bread
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon brandy-based orange liqueur
(such as Grand Marnier®)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix in brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Remove crusts from bread, and arrange in the baking dish in a single layer. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, orange brandy, and salt. Pour over the bread. Cover, and chill at least 8 hours, or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the dish from the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature.
4. Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until puffed and lightly browned. Garnish with fruit for an extra gourmet touch!

Here in the Gourmet Orchards’ Kitchen we’re always looking for new ideas around amazing food. If you’ve got a recipe you’d like us to work on, contact us, fill us in and you may see your recipe on the gourmet blog.