Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a breakfast classic! Chef Curtis Stone's French toast with caramelized apples is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms your morning routine into a gourmet affair. Imagine thick slices of buttery brioche soaked in a rich custard, perfectly golden and crispy, topped with sweet, caramelized apples that melt in your mouth. This recipe promises to impress your family or guests and elevate your brunch game to new heights. Ready to make your mornings extraordinary? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of brioche bread
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Slice the brioche bread into thick slices if not pre-sliced. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. This will be your custard mixture for the French toast.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and bubble, coating the surface of the pan.
- While the skillet is heating, dip each slice of brioche bread into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Let any excess mixture drip off before placing the bread in the skillet.
- Cook the dipped brioche slices in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and slightly crispy. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Add more butter as needed for each batch.
- Once all the French toast is cooked, transfer it to a warm plate and cover it with aluminum foil to keep warm while you prepare the caramelized apples.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the apples are caramelized, remove them from the heat and set aside.
- To serve, place a slice of French toast on each plate, top with the caramelized apples, and drizzle with maple syrup to taste.
- Enjoy your delicious Chef Curtis Stone French toast with caramelized apples!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality brioche and ripe apples. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work wonderfully for caramelization.
- Customize Your Custard: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest to the custard mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Cooking the French toast on medium heat allows it to cook evenly without burning. Take your time to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Keep It Warm: If you’re making multiple batches, keep the cooked French toast warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest.
- Experiment with Toppings: While maple syrup is a classic choice, consider adding whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a gourmet touch.
- Make It Ahead: For a quicker breakfast, prepare the custard mixture and slice the apples the night before. Just cook them fresh in the morning for a deliciously easy start to your day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 160mg
