Baked French Toast Recipes For Easy Flavorful Breakfasts

Name: Baked French Toast
Prep time: PT-491997H8M54S
Cook time: PT-491998H53M54S
Total time: PT-491998H53M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread torn into chunks or cubes; – 8 eggs; – 2 cups whole milk; – 1/2 cup heavy cream; – 1/2 cup granulated sugar; – 1/2 cup brown sugar firmly packed; – 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; – Salted butter for greasing the 13-by-9-inch baking pan; – 1/2 cup flour; – 1/2 cup brown sugar firmly packed; – 1 teaspoon cinnamon; – 1/4 teaspoon salt; – Freshly grated nutmeg to taste; – 1/2 cup cold butter cut into pieces

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Why You’ll Love This Baked French Toast

This baked French toast recipe is a delightful way to start your day, blending ease with rich flavors that make breakfast feel special. Imagine preparing a warm, custardy dish with minimal effort, using simple ingredients like eggs and bread to create something truly comforting. Whether you’re a busy parent or a baking enthusiast, this recipe offers flexibility and nutrition to suit your lifestyle.

One reason to try this dish is its straightforward preparation. It requires just a few steps, such as greasing a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with salted butter and tearing one loaf of crusty sourdough or French bread into chunks, which takes only about 15 minutes. Plus, the total time, including baking, is around 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it perfect for quick mornings.

This recipe also brings health benefits through its wholesome components. Using high-quality eggs and milk provides protein and essential nutrients, while options like whole grain bread add fiber to keep you satisfied. For those watching their diet, variations with fresh fruits, such as blueberries or strawberries, add vitamins without much extra work.

The versatility of baked French toast shines through in its adaptability. You can tweak it for dietary needs, like making it vegan by substituting eggs, or add fruits like peaches or apples for a fresh twist. Many home cooks enjoy how this dish lets them experiment while keeping things simple and approachable.

Finally, the taste is unforgettable, with a mix of cinnamon and vanilla creating a warm, aromatic profile. This combination sets it apart from basic toast, offering a richer experience that feels indulgent yet easy to make at home.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Baked French Toast
2. Essential Ingredients for Baked French Toast
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Baked French Toast: Step-by-Step Guide

4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Baked French Toast
5. Mastering Baked French Toast: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Baked French Toast: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Baked French Toast
8. Baked French Toast

Essential Ingredients for Baked French Toast

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect baked French toast. This section outlines everything you need, formatted as a clear list to help you shop and prepare with ease. By focusing on fresh, quality items, you’ll achieve that creamy, flavorful result every time.

Main Ingredients

1 loaf of crusty sourdough or French bread – torn into chunks or cubes
8 eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar – firmly packed
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Salted butter – for greasing the 13-by-9-inch baking pan

Topping Ingredients

1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar – firmly packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional: Freshly grated nutmeg – to taste
1/2 cup cold butter – cut into pieces

These ingredients come together to form a rich custard and a crunchy topping, ensuring your baked French toast has the ideal balance of soft and crisp textures. For serving, don’t forget extras like 1 cup of fresh blueberries, warm syrup, and a pat of butter to elevate the flavors.

How to Prepare the Perfect Baked French Toast: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating baked French toast is simpler than you might think, starting with basic steps that lead to a delicious outcome. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the pan, then move on to mixing the custard and assembling everything. This guide walks you through each part to make the process enjoyable and stress-free.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Bread

Start by greasing a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with salted butter to prevent sticking. Next, tear one loaf of crusty sourdough or French bread into chunks or cubes and spread them evenly in the pan. This step ensures the bread soaks up the custard nicely, creating that soft, flavorful base.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread in the pan, making sure every piece gets coated. You can refrigerate the casserole overnight at this point for deeper flavor or bake it right away.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

Mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and optional freshly grated nutmeg in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup cold butter cut into pieces and mix until it resembles fine pebbles. Store this in the fridge until you’re ready to use it, which adds a nice crunch to the final dish.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the custard-soaked bread and bake uncovered for 45 minutes for a softer texture or up to 1 hour for a firmer, crispier result. Keep an eye on it to get the consistency you prefer.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let it cool slightly, then serve portions topped with butter, warm syrup, and 1 cup of fresh blueberries for a burst of color and taste. Variations might include adding fruits like strawberries, blackberries, peaches, or apples directly into the mix for extra flair.

For more breakfast ideas, check out our blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake, which pairs perfectly with this dish.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Baked French Toast

Adapting baked French toast for different dietary needs is easy and fun, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic dish. Whether you’re avoiding certain ingredients or just want to try something new, simple swaps can make a big difference. Let’s explore some practical options to keep things tasty and inclusive.

For vegan versions, replace the eggs with alternatives like flaxseed meal. You can also use plant-based milk instead of whole milk to maintain that creamy texture while fitting your preferences.

Eggs: Replace with 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg for a vegan option.
Milk and cream: Use plant-based alternatives, but stick to the mix of 2 cups milk and 1/2 cup cream for richness, as recommended in the tips.
Flour in topping: Opt for gluten-free flour if needed.

Adding fruits like diced apples can bring natural sweetness and make the dish even healthier. Experiment with these changes to create a version that suits you best.

In fact, for more healthy twists, visit our ham and cheese hash brown casserole recipe, which offers similar customization ideas.

Mastering Baked French Toast: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you have the basics down, elevating your baked French toast becomes an exciting challenge. Little tricks can improve texture and flavor, helping you impress family and friends. Let’s dive into some expert advice to take your skills to the next level.

Pro Cooking Techniques

For even cooking, let the bread soak overnight as it absorbs the custard better, especially with stale crusty bread. Baking uncovered helps crisp the topping, creating that perfect contrast of soft inside and crunchy outside.

Technique	Benefit
Use stale bread	Prevents sogginess and improves absorption
Mix milk and cream	Enhances richness without extra effort
Bake uncovered	Crisps the topping for better texture

Flavor Variations and Presentation

Try adding seasonal spices or fruits to mix things up. For presentation, serve with fresh garnishes like chopped nuts or a dollop of yogurt to make it look as good as it tastes.

When using a mix of whole milk and heavy cream, you get that luscious custard that makes every bite feel special.

How to Store Baked French Toast: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your baked French toast fresh and ready for later, which is great for meal prep. Leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge or even two months in the freezer, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Follow these steps to maintain its flavor and texture.

Refrigerate: Place in an airtight container and store for up to three days.

Freeze: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes to keep it crispy.

These methods ensure your dish stays enjoyable, whether you’re reheating for a quick breakfast or saving for another day.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Baked French Toast

Can I use just milk instead of milk and heavy cream for baked French toast?

Using only milk for baked French toast tends to result in a thinner custard, which can make the dish less rich and creamy. The combination of milk and heavy cream creates a thicker, more luscious custard that soaks into the bread better. If you prefer, half-and-half can replace the mix of milk and cream for a slightly lighter texture while still maintaining richness.

What type of bread is best for making baked French toast?

For baked French toast, crusty breads like sourdough or French bread work best. Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal because it absorbs the custard without falling apart, helping to avoid sogginess. Avoid using very soft breads like regular white sandwich bread, as they may not hold up during soaking and baking.

How can I prevent my baked French toast casserole from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, use sturdy, crusty bread that has had time to dry out slightly. Also, avoid over-soaking the bread in the custard mixture. Baking uncovered allows moisture to evaporate and helps the top become crisp. If your casserole is still soggy, try baking it a bit longer at a moderate temperature to help it set firmly.

Can I prepare baked French toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble baked French toast the night before and keep it refrigerated overnight. This allows the custard to fully soak into the bread, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish. When ready to eat, simply bake it until golden and cooked through, usually about 45-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

How should I store and reheat leftover baked French toast?

Store leftover baked French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to three days. To reheat, place portions in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze fully baked and cooled French toast, wrapped tightly, for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Baked French Toast Recipes for Easy and Flavorful Breakfasts