Feastpedia

A classic French dish transforming stale brioche into a luxurious, custardy treat. Pan-fried to golden perfection, it's often served with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, making it an elegant breakfast or brunch staple. Brioche Perdue, literally 'lost brioche,' is France's answer to French toast, originating as a clever way to revive stale bread or brioche that would otherwise be wasted. This resourceful tradition dates back centuries, embodying the French culinary philosophy of minimizing waste while maximizing flavor and elegance, turning a humble ingredient into a decadent delight.

breakfastdessertFrenchBrunchbrioche

Ingredients

  • 8 slices (1-inch thick) Stale Brioche
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 2 tablespoons (for frying) Unsalted Butter
  • 1 for dusting Powdered Sugar
  • 1 for garnish Fresh Berries
  • 1 for serving Maple Syrup or Honey

Instructions

  1. 1

    Slice stale brioche into approximately 1-inch thick pieces. Stale brioche is key as it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.

  2. 2

    In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

  3. 3

    Place the brioche slices into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, ensuring they are fully saturated but not falling apart.

  4. 4

    Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

  5. 5

    Carefully lift the soaked brioche slices, allowing any excess liquid to drip off, and place them in the hot skillet without crowding.

  6. 6

    Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches.

  7. 7

    Transfer the cooked brioche perdue to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining slices.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately, dusted generously with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh berries. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if desired.

Chef's Tips

  • Storage: Leftover Brioche Perdue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven for best results.
  • Substitution: If you don't have brioche, challah or a dense white bread (like Texas toast) can be used as a substitute, though the richness will vary.
  • Fun Fact: The term 'perdue' (lost) refers to the bread being 'lost' or 're-found' by soaking it in a liquid, giving it new life rather than letting it go to waste.
  • Pro Tip: For an extra rich flavor, infuse your milk with a vanilla bean pod or a strip of orange zest before whisking with eggs. Strain before use.

Recommended Equipment

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Reviews

Sign in to leave a review.

No reviews yet. Be the first!

Love this recipe? Get our cookbook!

Download our free cookbook with the top 20 most popular Feastpedia recipes.