Some mornings call for something a little more special—something that feels like sunshine on a plate. That’s exactly what this Orange French Toast brings to the table. It’s not just a breakfast dish, it’s a memory in the making. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch with loved ones, a Mother’s Day breakfast in bed, or just a sweet treat to brighten up a slow morning, this French toast recipe delivers the perfect balance of comfort and citrusy brightness.

This recipe was inspired by the cozy weekend breakfasts I used to share with my grandmother. She always made the fluffiest French toast, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with seasonal fruit. When oranges were in season, she’d zest them over everything—from cakes to pancakes—and it’s that fresh, zesty aroma that always brings me back. This version takes those memories and elevates them just a touch, with orange juice and zest whisked right into the custard, giving the toast a subtle citrus lift that’s both refreshing and nostalgic.

Plus, it’s simple enough for a weekday morning but special enough to serve guests. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special skills—just a few pantry staples and about 20 minutes. So grab some bread, crack a few eggs, and let’s turn your kitchen into a cozy breakfast nook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bright, fresh flavor from the orange zest and juice
• Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside texture
• Perfect for brunch or breakfast-in-bed moments
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Kid-friendly and grown-up approved
• No complicated prep—ready in under 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 loaf brioche bread or Texas toast, sliced ¾ to 1 inch thick
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup half and half
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
• Powdered sugar, for garnish
• Fresh orange slices or berries, for serving (optional)

HOW TO MAKE ORANGE FRENCH TOAST:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Slice and prep your bread
Choose a thick, sturdy bread like brioche or Texas toast—something that can soak up the custard without falling apart. If you have time, let the bread sit out overnight to dry a bit. Slightly stale bread actually absorbs the mixture better and gives you a crispier finish.

Step 2: Make the orange custard
In a shallow dish or bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar. You’ll notice the fragrance of the orange zest lifting off the bowl—it’s heavenly and really sets this dish apart.

Step 3: Soak the bread
Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 10–15 seconds on each side. Make sure it’s well-coated, but not soggy.

Step 4: Cook the French toast
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it’s hot and bubbly, add the soaked bread slices (in batches if needed) and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Serve it up warm
Serve your French toast immediately, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and garnished with fresh orange slices or berries if you like. A drizzle of maple syrup or a pat of butter is also a welcome finishing touch.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use thick-cut bread: Brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best. Thinner bread can get too soggy.
• Don’t skip the orange zest: This is where the real citrus flavor comes from. It adds brightness without overwhelming the toast.
• Cook on medium heat: Too hot, and the outside will brown before the inside is fully cooked. Medium heat gives you a crispy edge and soft center.
• Prep ahead: You can mix the custard the night before and store it in the fridge to save time in the morning.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Stove-top
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

This recipe can be doubled easily if you’re feeding a crowd, and it reheats beautifully in a toaster oven or on a skillet. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread, especially around the holidays when sweet breads and loaves are everywhere.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving Approx.):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use regular milk instead of half and half?
Yes! Whole milk works well, though the toast may be slightly less rich. You can even use a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.

What if I don’t have brioche?
Challah, Texas toast, or any thick white bread will do. Even sandwich bread works in a pinch—just be gentle when soaking.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the custard and even pre-soak the bread the night before. Store in a covered dish in the fridge, then cook fresh in the morning.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet or toaster oven for best results. You can also freeze cooked slices—just separate them with parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or oven.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Delicious Orange Muffins
• Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast
• Best Orange French Toast
• Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Cubes

CONCLUSION

This Orange French Toast brings the warmth of a traditional breakfast favorite and gives it a fresh, citrusy upgrade that feels just a little bit fancy. It’s the kind of recipe that makes mornings feel more meaningful, whether you’re gathering with family or treating yourself to a quiet, slow breakfast. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite way to start the day.

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