Citrus French Toast Bake with Blood Orange & Almonds

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Lately I have been obesssed with French breakfasts. We don’t have it everyday but every other Sunday I try a new recipe. As you have seen I don’t really do a whole lot of baking, partly because we are not into sweet food, but every now and then we indulge in a pastry specially when we are traveling.

If you love French toast this is a lovely recipe for you to try specially for Sunday brunch. Its very easy to make and doesn’t involve and special baking or bread making.We are towards the end of Blood Orange season so if you don’t find blood oranges no worries regular oranges work just fine. I also love a strong citrus flavor so if you’re not into strong citrus flavor reduce the zest by half. Other than that it’s a simple straight forward recipe. I do however recommend soaking the brioche overnight for better flavor and texture.

CITRUS FRENCH TOAST BAKE, SERVES 8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 brioche loaf, about 14 oz-1 pound, sliced into 1 inch thick slices
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups full fat oat milk (I like Oatly) or whole milk
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest from one lemon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 oranges, sliced, peeled if preferred
• 1 tablespoon salted butter, melted plus more for greasing
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• SERVING SUGGESTION: Whipped cream, maple syrup, dusting of powdered sugar and extra fresh fruit

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Grease a 9×13 inch-baking dish with butter. 
2. Slice the brioche loaf into one inch thick slices. Neatly arrange the slices on a bias in the baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, lemon and orange zest, salt, and melted butter until well incorporated . Pour the egg mixture over the brioche slices evenly so each slice has soaked the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or better still overnight. 
4. To bake, preheat the oven to 375 °F. Cover the dish with a foil like a tent. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover the foil and allow the top to brown or until the top is toasty, golden and crisp. 
5. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and sprinkle sliced almonds.
6. Serve the Brioche french toast warm, topped with chilled whipped cream, fresh sliced oranges or chopped seasonal fruits, and maple syrup for extra sweetness. Enjoy!