Philadelphia, PA
- Indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures with this elevated take on classic French toast. Crispy almond crust, creamy whipped ricotta, and a drizzle of warm honey create a brunch dish that's both luxurious and comforting.
Almond Crusted French Toast Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese softened
- Zest of 1 orange
For the Syrup:
- ¾ cup honey
- Juice of ½ orange
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the French Toast:
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- Three large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- Splash of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Eight thick slices of challah or brioche bread
- Three tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whip the ricotta and cream cheese together in the bowl of an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the orange zest.
- Whisk together honey, orange juice, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Reserve three tablespoons of this mixture for the ricotta filling and set the rest aside for serving.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a shallow dish.
- Spread sliced almonds on a plate.
- Melt half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each bread slice in the egg mixture for about 5 seconds per side, then coat both sides with almonds, pressing gently.
- Cook the bread in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer to an ungreased baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
- Bake the French toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until cooked.
- While the French toast bakes, gently warm the reserved honey mixture in a small saucepan or microwave.
- To serve, place a slice of French toast on each plate, top with a generous orange-infused ricotta mixture, and drizzle with warm honey syrup.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds before using.
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the egg mixture.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the ricotta filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Experiment with different toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
This almond-crusted French toast is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for brunch or breakfast gatherings. Its textures and flavors, from the crispy almond crust to the creamy ricotta and sweet honey, will elevate your morning meal to a truly decadent experience.
