Baked French toast is kinda a cool twist on the regular breakfast you know, it mixes simple stuff with a really yummy taste so its perfect for families or weekend brunches. Instead of frying every slice and flipping them over, you just pop a bunch in the oven so they cook evenly and you can do other stuff while it bakes. Whether you wanna impress guests or just spoil yourself on a normal weekday, baked French toast is a great way to start your day.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and having some fun recipes can make mornings less boring. With baked French toast you get an easy method to cook something that feels fancy but is pretty simple even if your cooking skills arent top notch. You can change it up with different toppings or mix in fruit, nuts, or spices so every bite is full of flavor. Making this recipe is not just tasty but also a good time when you share it with friends or family.
The best part about baked French toast is how easy it is to make a lot at once without the stress of flipping slices one by one. That makes it great for family breakfasts, brunch parties, or even holiday mornings. With these perks, it’s no wonder baked French toast is becoming a go-to breakfast fav.
What is Baked French Toast?
Baked French toast is basically slices of bread that soak up a mix of eggs, milk, and flavors then go in the oven till they are golden and a bit puffed. The result is kinda custardy inside but still soft and it pairs great with syrups or fruit on top. It’s like a blank canvas where you can add cinnamon, berries, or even chocolate chips if you want.
Compared to regular French toast you fry on a pan, the baked version lets you do more slices in one go, so its perfect for feeding a crowd. You dont have to hover over the stove flipping each piece and risking burnt edges or soggy middles. Baking gives you an even cook every time, and the flavour is just as rich from the soaking step.
Key Ingredients
To make your baked French toast taste awesome, you need the right basics. These ingredients work together to give good texture and taste, plus you can switch things up if you like.
Essential Ingredients
- Bread: Use sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread so it dont fall apart when it soaks up the custard.
- Eggs: Eggs give it that custard-like base and help it puff up a bit.
- Milk: Whole milk or a mix of milk and cream makes it rich. You can also try almond or oat milk for a lighter version.
- Vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla adds warmth and sweetness.
- Sweeteners: Whether you use granulated sugar, brown sugar, or natural sweetners like maple syrup, they all add that perfect touch of sweet.
Optional Add-ins
- Cinnamon: A classic spice that warms up the flavour.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg can give a nice extra kick.
- Fruit: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or apples make it more colorful and nutritious.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty taste.
Detailed Recipe for Baked French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of sturdy bread (brioche or challah works best)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh fruit for topping (berries or bananas, your choice)
- Syrup for serving (maple syrup recommended)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a big bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon if you’re using it.
- Cut the bread into thick slices and place them in a greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure each slice gets coated. Let it soak for 15–30 minutes so it absorbs well.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and puffy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with fruit and syrup.
Serving Suggestions
- Whipped cream for a fluffy touch.
- Maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness.
- Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices for color and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Baked French Toast
- Recommended bread types: Slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up more custard without getting soggy.
- Soaking time: Let it soak at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge if you want more flavor.
- Alternate baking methods: You can prep it the night before by soaking the bread, then bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast.
baked french toast
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 loaf thick-cut bread (about 16 oz, such as challah or brioche)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- to taste powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
- to serve maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the bread into thick slices (about 1 inch each) and arrange them in the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the mixture.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate it overnight for a make-ahead option.
- Bake the covered French toast for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the middle.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm with maple syrup.
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