Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried baked French toast yet, you are in for a real treat! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, making it perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts or delightful brunch gatherings with friends. I remember the first time I tried it—it was at a friend’s house, and I couldn’t believe how easy and delicious it was! The combination of creamy egg custard soaking into the bread, baked to golden perfection, is just heavenly.
What I love most about this baked French toast is that it’s super simple to whip up, yet it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Just pop it in the oven, and while it bakes, you can sip your coffee and enjoy the mouthwatering aroma filling your home. Trust me, your family or guests will be raving about this dish long after the last bite!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this heavenly baked French toast:
- 8 slices of bread: I love using a thick, hearty bread like challah or brioche for the best texture, but any bread you have will work—just make sure it’s a bit stale for better soaking!
- 4 large eggs: These are going to give that lovely custardy texture. The fresher, the better!
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk works wonders, but you can use any milk you prefer, including almond or oat milk.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This adds richness that makes the dish extra indulgent. You can substitute with half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten it up a tad.
- 1/4 cup sugar: This sweetens the custard just right. You can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: You’ll want the pure stuff for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: This brings a warm, cozy spice to the dish. Adjust to your taste if you love cinnamon!
- Pinch of salt: Just a little pinch enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Butter for greasing: Use unsalted butter to coat your baking dish, ensuring nothing sticks and adding a touch of flavor.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re already on your way to a fabulous breakfast that your friends and family will absolutely adore!
How to Prepare Baked French Toast
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making this scrumptious baked French toast! Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds, and the results? Absolutely worth it!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because we want our baked French toast to cook evenly and get that lovely golden color. While the oven warms up, grab a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch one) and grease it with some butter. This will help prevent sticking and give it an extra flavor boost!
Arrange the Bread
Next, it’s time to arrange the bread in your prepared dish. I like to lay the slices down in a single layer, slightly overlapping them if you need to. This way, every slice gets an equal chance to soak up that delicious custard mixture we’re about to make. Make sure to pack them in gently but snugly—it’s like building a cozy little bread fortress!
Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. I like to use a whisk because it really helps to blend everything smoothly. You want that mixture to be homogenous and frothy, so don’t be shy with the whisking! This is the heart of your custard, so give it some love!
Soak the Bread
Now comes the fun part—pouring that luscious egg mixture over the arranged bread! Make sure each slice is generously soaked. You might want to gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your fingers (careful, it can get a bit messy!) to ensure everything is covered. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This resting time is key—it allows the bread to absorb all that creamy goodness, making every bite heavenly!
Bake the French Toast
Time to bake! Pop the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy. If you gently shake the dish, the center should be set but still a little jiggly—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools. Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving, so it’s easier to cut into perfect squares. Get ready for some serious breakfast bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip this up in just about 15 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy your morning coffee!
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep it the night before, refrigerate, and just pop it in the oven in the morning. Perfect for busy days!
- Great for gatherings: This dish serves a crowd and is a total showstopper at brunches or family breakfasts.
- Customizable: You can easily mix in your favorite toppings or switch up the bread type to suit your taste.
- Comfort food at its finest: The warm, custardy texture with crispy edges is pure comfort food that everyone will love.
- Minimal cleanup: With just one baking dish and a bowl to wash, cleanup is a breeze!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make this baked French toast truly unforgettable! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will elevate your dish to the next level.
- Use stale bread: This is key! Stale bread soaks up the custard without falling apart. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, just leave fresh bread out for a few hours or lightly toast it to dry it out a bit.
- Experiment with bread types: While I love challah and brioche, don’t be afraid to switch it up! Sourdough, whole grain, or even bagels can add unique flavors and textures.
- Get creative with toppings: You can top your baked French toast with anything from fresh berries and bananas to maple syrup or whipped cream. Nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add that extra special touch!
- Try spices: Beyond cinnamon, think about adding a pinch of nutmeg or even pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist! It’s amazing how a little extra spice can enhance the flavor.
- Make it a meal: Pair your baked French toast with savory items like crispy bacon or sausage for a delicious breakfast balance. You’ll impress everyone with this sweet and savory combo!
- Don’t rush the soaking: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard for at least 15 minutes (or even longer if you have the time) is essential for that creamy, custardy texture. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Serve it warm: For the best experience, serve your baked French toast right out of the oven. The aroma, the warmth—it’s the perfect way to start the day!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of baked French toast. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s break down the goodness of this delicious baked French toast! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one slice:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 8g
This dish is not only a comforting breakfast, but it also packs a satisfying amount of protein and carbs to fuel your morning. Just remember, it’s all about balance, so enjoy your slice with some fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt for a delightful start to your day!
FAQ Section
Can I make baked French toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of the best features of baked French toast! You can prepare it the night before, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Just let it sit for about 15-30 minutes at room temperature before baking to take the chill off. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free morning with a delicious breakfast ready to go!
What type of bread is best for baked French toast?
Great question! For the best results, I highly recommend using a thick, hearty bread like challah or brioche—they soak up the custard perfectly and offer a delightful texture. However, you can also use sourdough, French bread, or even whole grain bread. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best soaking ability!
Can I add toppings or mix-ins?
Oh, yes, yes, yes! Get creative! You can absolutely add toppings or mix-ins to make this dish your own. Fresh fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or bananas are amazing. You can also sprinkle in some chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter. For toppings, think whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. The options are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftovers from that scrumptious baked French toast? No worries—here’s how to store and reheat it so it stays delicious!
First, let the baked French toast cool completely before storing. Once it’s cool, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices! Just wrap them in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them from drying out, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual slices for about 30-45 seconds, but I find the oven method gives you that lovely crispy edge again!
Enjoy your warm, comforting baked French toast just like it was fresh out of the oven! Trust me, it’ll taste just as delightful!
Print
Baked French Toast: 7 Irresistible Ways to Indulge
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious baked French toast dish perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Arrange the bread slices in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring all slices are soaked.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with syrup or fruit.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight.
- Top with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: baked french toast
