We are big weekend breakfast eaters in my house, and Sunday is usually the day that we park it on the couch, watch CBS Sunday Morning, and enjoy a homemade breakfast. We’ve perfected Huevos Rancheros (in my humble opinion, of course) and have made almost every pancake recipe on the planet. Armed with half of a baguette of french bread one Sunday morning, I decided that french toast was most definitely in order.
My grandfather passed away a few years ago, and I was determined to continue his french toast making tradition, even though he did not leave his exact recipe. And I know that it is April not Christmas morning, but a delicious breakfast of french toast should be enjoyed throughout the year, right? This recipe comes pretty close to my grandfather’s favorite. He fried his in oil which was delicious, but I wanted a lighter (read: bathing suit season is just around the corner) recipe for this particular weekend. This recipe uses liqueur to spike the batter, and the Grand Marnier I had added a most incredibly flavorful, subtle orange punch. Try this for your next weekend breakfast. It is quick, easy, and most importantly of all, absolutely delicious.
How to Make Boozy French Toast with Grand Marnier
Step 1 – Make the custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, liqueur, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. 
Step 2 – Soak the bread
Dip each slice of bread in the custard, letting it sit about 30–60 seconds per side. The bread should absorb the mixture without becoming too soggy.
Step 3 – Fry the toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and a little oil if using. Fry the soaked bread slices in batches, about 2 minutes per side, until both sides are golden. Add more butter or oil as needed for subsequent batches.
Step 4 – Serve
Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with the warmed maple syrup.
Recipe Notes
Bread: A day-old baguette or French loaf is best — it soaks up the custard without falling apart. Brioche or challah work if you prefer something richer.
Liqueur choice: Grand Marnier adds subtle orange notes, while rum gives warmth. Use what you like, but don’t skip the step — it’s the point of “boozy” French toast.
Butter and oil: Combining the two prevents burning while keeping the flavor of butter.
Serving: Bacon, fruit, or a glass of orange juice all work as natural companions.
FAQ – French Toast with Grand Marnier
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, just omit the liqueur. Add a little extra vanilla or orange zest if you want to mimic the flavor.
What bread works best?
French bread is traditional, but brioche, challah, or sourdough all hold up well.
Can I bake it instead of frying?
Yes. Lay the soaked slices on a buttered baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I keep it warm if cooking for a crowd?
Place the cooked slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven until ready to serve.
What if my bread is too soft?
Toast it lightly before soaking so it doesn’t collapse in the custard.
Boozy French Toast
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
French toast gets a boozy upgrade. A perfect weekend brunch treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cups (237 ml) Organic Whole Milk
- 3 Large Eggs
- Pinch Salt
- 0.5 tsp Cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (dark or light)
- 8 half inch slices French bread (day old)
- 1 tbsp Grand Marnier or Rum
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) Butter for pan
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) Maple Syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Whisk together milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Heat about one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of canola oil in a griddle or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Soak french bread slices in the milk mixture until saturated, flipping to ensure both sides absorb the liquid (about 1 minute per side).
- Add bread to the griddle pan, ensuring not to overcrowd the slices. Cook until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side).
- Repeat with a second batch, re-oiling/re-buttering the pan if needed.
- Dust slices with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup warmed with a touch of butter.
- Add bacon and orange juice.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah bread instead of French bread.
- To prevent soggy French toast, ensure the bread is not overly saturated with the egg mixture.
- Leftover French toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a toaster or pan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 150
If you liked this, you are going to love these favorite brunch recipes:
Instant Brunch Classic: Italian Eggs Benedict
Brunch for a Crowd: Ham and Cheese Sliders
Chorizo and Egg Hash Brunch Skillet
Caprese Frittata: The Perfect Brunch Dish
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bread works best for this Boozy French Toast?
Using a half baguette of French bread works best as it absorbs the custard well and creates a nice texture.
How long should I soak the bread in the custard mixture?
You should let each slice soak for about 30–60 seconds per side to ensure it absorbs enough of the custard.
Can I substitute Grand Marnier with another liqueur?
Yes, you can substitute Grand Marnier with other liqueurs like Amaretto or rum, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile.
I never can decide which I like better, French toast or waffles. I never follow a recipe for French toast (which I’ve had twice in the past week, and since I have stale homemade bread, I foresee a third serving of it this week…), but your recipe is actually pretty close to what I did last night for dinner, Grand Marnier and all.
Love all of the french toast making! What is your favorite recipe? Next time, I’ll probably try brioche but I really love french bread. French toast v. waffles is a constant argument in my house. My husband loves waffles but I’m more of a french toast fan!
I like French toast, your combination of ingredients is great!
Thanks Tamara! I love french toast too and used to be so intimidated by making it. It really is so easy!