Panettone French Toast is the best way to enjoy that sweet Italian panettone bread you have left over from Christmas, or to get in the holiday spirit as soon as panettone hit stores in November. This scrumptious international fusion breakfast highlights the sweet flavor of panettone with soft rich custard and crisp edges.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
Carefully remove paper from the panettone. Slice off the end of each side of the panettone to make a rectangle-ish shape. Cut the panettone in half on the short side. Slice each half into four thick slices (about 1 inch thick). This will leave you with 10 slices total. See photo for illustration.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Dip slices of panettone in egg mixture, pressing down on both sides to help the bread absorb more liquid. (Dip as you go, so only dip as many pieces as will fit in your skillet in your first batch.) Place dipped panettone in the skillet in a single layer and cook 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Place on a sheet pan and transfer to oven to keep warm until ready to serve.
Scrape out any egg or pieces of bread that got stuck in the skillet. Melt additional 1 tablespoon butter and dip and cook second batch. Repeat until all panettone is cooked. (I was able to fit 4 slices into my pan so cooked in 3 batches.) Discard any excess egg mixture.
Some topping ideas: butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, powdered sugar, fresh fruit. Since the panettone has candied orange peel and raisins in the bread, I like to garnish with orange slices or grapes. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are good too.
Calories are based on Trader Joe’s brand Panettone and don’t include toppings (sorry!)