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–+ servings

Pain Perdu (Eggy Bread)

Breakfast, Desserts, Snack
This rich, custardy bread fried to golden perfection, crisp on the outside and meltingly soft inside is called "Pain Perdu", or "lost bread,". It transforms day-old bread into a luxurious breakfast or brunch treat with creamy eggs, a hint of vanilla, and if you dare a drop of Armagnac!
Pain Perdu (Eggy Bread) recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients 

Equipment

Instructions

  1. 1. Prepare the mix
    In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with sugar and a pinch of salt until combined. Add the milk, cream, and vanilla extract or Armagnac if using, then whisk again until smooth. This creates a rich custard base to soak the bread in.
  2. 2. Slice the bread
    Cut the bread or brioche into thick slices about 2–3 cm thick. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard without falling apart. It can be done with fresh bread but it's often too soft and won’t hold the custard properly.
  3. 3. Soak the bread slices
    Soak each slice in the custard, ensuring both sides are well saturated but not soggy. Place the soaked slices on a plate and allow them to rest for a moment so the custard can settle into the bread.
  4. 4. Fry the pain perdu
    Heat the butter in a frying pan over medium heat until foaming. Add the soaked bread slices and fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Turn carefully to maintain the shape and texture.
  5. 5. Serve immediately
    Remove from the pan and serve straight away, dusting with a little sugar or icing sugar. Pain Perdu should be crisp on the outside and luxuriously soft on the inside for the perfect balance of textures!

Notes

  • Using brioche or rustic white bread adds to the authenticity and texture, making this a special treat!
  • For an adult twist, a splash of Armagnac or vanilla in the mix adds depth without overwhelming the dish.
  • Traditionally, Pain Perdu was a smart way to rescue stale bread and prevent waste, giving it a delicious new life.
  • Serve with a drizzle of good butter, fresh fruit, or simply dust with sugar.