Baked French Toast is a warm and inviting breakfast dish that transforms ordinary slices of bread into a luscious, custard-soaked delight. This recipe is perfect for leisurely weekend brunches or special occasions where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic of baked French toast lies in its simplicity and the ability to prepare it ahead of time. By soaking bread in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, you create a dish that bakes beautifully in the oven, resulting in a golden-brown top with a soft, custardy interior. Topped with syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar, this dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. With endless possibilities for customization, baked French toast can suit any taste preference, making it a versatile choice for everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy morning at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Baked French Toast recipe stands out for several compelling reasons. First, it offers a fantastic balance of flavors and textures. The custard-like filling contrasts beautifully with the crispy top layer, creating a satisfying bite that keeps you coming back for more. Second, the preparation is remarkably easy. With just a few steps, you can assemble the dish the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld. This convenience means less stress in the morning, making it ideal for busy families or entertaining guests. Third, the appealing presentation of baked French toast makes it a showstopper at any brunch table. The golden-brown color, often enhanced by a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh berries, invites everyone to dig in. Finally, the adaptability of the recipe means you can personalize it with your favorite ingredients, from spices to toppings, ensuring that every batch can be a unique experience. The combination of taste, ease of preparation, stunning appearance, and versatility makes this Baked French Toast a must-try dish that will leave everyone impressed.

Ingredients:

Creating the perfect Baked French Toast starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed list to guide you through the process:

1 loaf of bread (about 16 ounces) – A good-quality bread is crucial. French bread, challah, or brioche are excellent choices due to their texture and ability to soak up the custard mixture without falling apart.
6 large eggs – Eggs are essential for creating the custard base that binds everything together, giving richness and a beautiful texture.
2 cups milk – Whole milk works best for a creamy consistency, but you can use low-fat or non-dairy milk if desired. The milk adds moisture and richness to the dish.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – This adds sweetness to the custard, balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste of the baked French toast.
1 tablespoon cinnamon – Cinnamon infuses the dish with warm, inviting flavors. You can adjust the amount to suit your personal preference.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – This ingredient adds depth and a sweet aroma, elevating the flavor profile of the dish. Choose a pure vanilla extract for the best results.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Nutmeg is optional but adds a hint of warmth and complexity, making the dish more aromatic.
1/4 teaspoon salt – A small amount of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the custard.
Butter (for greasing the baking dish) – A little butter ensures the French toast doesn’t stick to the dish, making for easy serving and cleanup.
Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits (berries, bananas, etc.), whipped cream – These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add visual appeal to your finished dish.

How To Make Baked French Toast?

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to create this delicious Baked French Toast:

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your baked French toast cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden-brown finish.
Prepare the bread: Slice your loaf of bread into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. If you’re using stale bread, this is the ideal time to utilize it, as it will soak up the custard better without becoming mushy.
Grease the baking dish: Use butter to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the French toast from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Assemble the bread: Layer the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly to fit. This arrangement allows the custard to soak into every piece.
Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar or eggs remaining for a smooth custard.
Pour the custard over the bread: Once your custard is ready, pour it evenly over the arranged bread slices. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press down on the bread to ensure every piece is well coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Bake the French toast: When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while the oven continues to preheat. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
Check for doneness: To ensure your baked French toast is fully cooked, you can insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re ready to serve. If not, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
Serve warm: Allow the baked French toast to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. Serve warm with your choice of toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Tips For Variations:

One of the wonderful aspects of Baked French Toast is its versatility. Here are some creative ideas for variations that can enhance flavor, texture, and cater to different budgets:

Flavor Infusions: Consider adding different spices to the custard mixture to create unique flavor profiles. For instance, a dash of cardamom or allspice can add warmth, while a hint of citrus zest (like lemon or orange) can brighten the dish.
Fruit Additions: Incorporate fruits directly into the bread layer or the custard. Sliced bananas, blueberries, or diced apples can be mixed in, providing bursts of flavor and nutrition. You can also layer the fruit between slices of bread for a lovely presentation.
Nutty Textures: Add a layer of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the bread before pouring the custard. This will add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: For a rich twist, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks into the bread layer or custard mixture. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweet custard.
Budget-Friendly Options: If you’re looking to save, use day-old bread that you can find at a reduced price. Stale bread is perfect for soaking up the custard and still provides a delicious result. Additionally, consider using store-brand ingredients for milk and sugar to keep costs down.
Savory Spin: For those who enjoy savory flavors, experiment with savory bread, such as sourdough or whole grain. You can also add cheese (like cream cheese or ricotta) and herbs to the custard for a unique breakfast alternative.

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the baked French toast just before serving. The rich sweetness complements the custard beautifully and adds a comforting touch.
Fresh Berries: Top with a mixture of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries contrasts nicely with the sweet custard and adds a pop of color to the dish.
Powdered Sugar: Dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and sweetness. This simple addition can make the dish visually appealing and is perfect for special occasions.
Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of whipped topping for an indulgent treat. This adds creaminess and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
Yogurt Parfait Style: For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a yogurt parfait. Layer yogurt with granola and fruits in glasses for a delightful contrast to the warm French toast.
Ice Cream Treat: For a dessert-like breakfast, serve slices of baked French toast warm with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The combination of warm and cold is sure to be a hit.

FAQ:

Can I make Baked French Toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. This allows the bread to soak up the custard overnight, enhancing the flavors.

What type of bread works best for Baked French Toast?

French bread, challah, or brioche are ideal choices due to their texture and ability to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.

Can I freeze Baked French Toast?

Yes, baked French toast can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The baked French toast is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

What are some creative toppings for Baked French Toast?

You can use maple syrup, fresh fruits, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fun twist.

Baked French Toast

Baked French Toast is a warm and inviting breakfast dish that transforms ordinary slices of bread into a luscious, custard-soaked delight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Baking Dish
Whisk
Spatula

Ingredients

1 loaf Bread (French, challah, or brioche) About 16 ounces, good-quality bread is crucial.
6 large Eggs Essential for the custard base.
2 cups Milk Whole milk works best for creaminess.
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness to the custard.
1 tablespoon Cinnamon Infuses warm flavors.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Adds depth and aroma.
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Optional, adds warmth.
1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
Butter For greasing the baking dish.
Optional toppings Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits, whipped cream.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice your loaf of bread into thick slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches each.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
Layer the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
Pour the custard over the bread and gently press down to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serve warm with your choice of toppings.