Description

Wheat beer and orange zest add a citrus brightness to French toast, balancing the rich mascarpone filling while pistachios provide texture and a mellow nutty flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

French Toast

4 ounces mascarpone cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 blood or naval orange, zested
3 Tablespoons finely chopped pistachios
6-1/2 inch thick slices of brioche or challah bread
3 large eggs
1/2 cup (4 ounces) wheat beer
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons butter

Spiked Orange Syrup

2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup bourbon or rum
1/2 cup maple syrup

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix together mascarpone, cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest, and pistachios until well combined. Set aside.
Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each slice of bread by cutting horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Stuff each bread pocket with the mascarpone mixture, dividing it evenly among the slices.
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, wheat beer, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted and foamy, dip each stuffed bread slice into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side.
Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Cook in batches if necessary, adding more butter as needed.
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, dark rum, and orange juice. Heat over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Serve the French toast warm, drizzled with the rum-orange syrup.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wheat beer with milk and omit the rum in the syrup. This dish is best served immediately but can be kept warm in a low oven if needed. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 15 grams
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 45 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 12 grams
Cholesterol: 120 mg