Pain Perdu is French for "lost bread", referring stale bread that would otherwise be disposed of. Pain Perdu, the New Orleans version of French toast, is generally made with stale French bread. The French bread is sliced thick, dipped in an egg custard, and fried in butter. It's perfect for a Mardi Gras breakfast or brunch!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time25 minutesmins
Total Time35 minutesmins
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: French, Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Southern
Servings: 4
Calories: 614kcal
Ingredients
1loafday old French bread
3large eggs, room temperature
½cupmilk
½ cupheavy cream
2 teaspoonsvanilla extract
¼teaspoonground cinnamon
6Tablespoonsunsalted butter, divided
Fruit for garnish (optional)
Syrup or confectioners' sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200° F.
Slice French bread diagonally into 1-inch slices; allow to sit to dry out.
Whisk eggs in a medium bowl. Add milk and cream; whisk to combine. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon; continue whisking.
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Dip a piece of French bread in custard; allow excess to drip off. Place in skillet. Repeat with three additional pieces of French bread.
Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on wire rack set in baking sheet. Place in oven to keep warm.
Repeat with remaining slices of French bread, making sure that you don't crowd the pan.
Serve warm with syrup, confectioners' sugar, fresh fruit, etc.
Notes
Instead of the milk and cream, one could use 1 cup of half and half.