Prepare to transform your ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this luxurious French Toast Baked with Grand Marnier! Imagine golden-brown, custardy bread infused with the sophisticated orange liqueur flavor that will make your taste buds dance and your weekend brunch guests absolutely swoon. This isn't just another French toast recipe - it's a gourmet experience that elevates a classic breakfast dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to create in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Grand Marnier, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cut each bread slice diagonally to create triangular pieces, ensuring they will fit neatly in the baking dish.
- Dip each bread triangle into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 15-20 seconds on each side to absorb the liquid thoroughly.
- Arrange the soaked bread pieces in overlapping layers in the prepared baking dish, creating an attractive pattern.
- Pour any remaining egg mixture evenly over the bread to ensure complete coverage and moisture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the French toast rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the custard to set completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or garnish with fresh berries before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the rich, aromatic French toast with a hint of Grand Marnier.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for best results - slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively and creates a better texture.
- Let the bread soak thoroughly in the egg mixture to ensure maximum flavor and a rich, custardy interior.
- For extra richness, consider using brioche or challah bread instead of standard white bread.
- Make sure to grease your baking dish generously to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Allow the baked French toast to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to let the custard set completely.
- For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
- If you prefer a less boozy version, you can substitute the Grand Marnier with orange juice or reduce the quantity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 220mg