When the echoes of Christmas carols fade and the period “between the years” begins, the kitchen becomes a place for creative indulgence. For Italian culture enthusiasts, there is often one iconic leftover gracing the pantry: the Panettone. While delicious on its own, this buttery dome of leavened dough can be transformed into a decadent brunch or dessert that elevates holiday leftovers to gourmet heights. Enter the Panettone French Toast – a chocolate-infused delight that marries Milanese tradition with a classic comfort breakfast.
Why Panettone Makes the Perfect French Toast
Standard bread often pales in comparison to the rich, airy structure of Italian holiday bread. Because Panettone is loaded with butter and eggs, it caramelizes beautifully in a pan. Using chocolate Panettone specifically adds a layer of molten richness that pairs exquisitely with the warm spices of winter. If you find yourself with extra cakes after the holidays, exploring more about Panettone can inspire various ways to enjoy this seasonal staple.
The Recipe: How to Make Chocolate Panettone French Toast
This recipe serves one or two depending if it’s intended as a whole meal or rather a snack, but can easily be scaled up for a festive family brunch.
Ingredients:
- 100 g Chocolate Panettone (thickly sliced)
- 1 Egg (Size M)
- 60–70 ml Milk
- 0–5 g Cinnamon Sugar (to taste)
- 10 g Butter (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Custard: In a shallow bowl, quickly whisk together the egg, milk, and cinnamon sugar until well combined.
- Soak: Place the Panettone slice into the mixture. Let it soak for about 30 seconds on each side. Unlike regular bread, Panettone is porous, so ensure it absorbs the liquid only a short period of time without/before falling apart.
- Golden Perfection: Melt the butter in a non-stick pan over low to medium heat. Fry the slice for 2–3 minutes per side until the edges are golden brown and the chocolate inside begins to soften.
Toppings to Elevate Your Italian Dessert
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. To lean into the Italian theme, serve it with a dollop of whipped mascarpone cream. For those who prefer a classic touch, simple powdered sugar, vanilla sauce or warm pudding creates a lovely contrast against the toasted crust.
If you are looking for a fruity balance, cherry compote or caramelised apple and pear slices add a necessary acidity that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is the final touch needed to recreate the magic of Christmas on your plate.
Whether served as a slow morning breakfast or a cozy evening dessert, this Panettone French Toast is the ultimate tribute to Italian holiday flavors.
What makes Chocolate Panettone French Toast different from regular French toast?
Chocolate Panettone French Toast uses chocolate-infused Panettone — a rich, buttery Italian holiday bread — instead of standard sandwich bread. Because Panettone is already airy and slightly sweet, it caramelizes beautifully when soaked in egg and milk, creating a more indulgent, dessert-like version of traditional French toast with deep chocolate flavor.
Can I use leftover Panettone for this recipe?
Yes! This French toast is an excellent way to use up leftover Panettone after the holidays. Slightly stale Panettone actually soaks up the custard mixture better without falling apart, making it ideal for this dish.
What toppings pair best with Chocolate Panettone French Toast?
Popular toppings include powdered sugar, whipped mascarpone cream, vanilla sauce, caramelised fruit (like apples or pears), or a simple cherry compote. These sweet or slightly tart additions balance the rich chocolate and enhance the overall flavor.
How do I prevent my Panettone French toast from becoming soggy?
Because Panettone is light and porous, don’t soak it too long in the egg-milk mixture — usually just 20–30 seconds per side. Cook over low to medium heat so the outside turns golden without the inside becoming mushy.
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