Irresistible French Toast Bake Recipe

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French Toast Bake Recipe: A Cozy Breakfast Classic

Nothing says cozy breakfast like a warm, flavorful French Toast Bake! This dish combines all the beloved flavors of classic French toast but takes the fuss out of flipping individual slices. Instead, it’s baked to golden perfection in the oven, making it the ideal breakfast to share with family or guests. Whether it’s for a special brunch or a relaxed weekend morning, this French Toast Bake brings comforting sweetness and warmth to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about a French Toast Bake is its ease. You can prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning. With a crunchy top, creamy custard-like interior, and hints of vanilla and cinnamon, this bake is everything you love about French toast but with minimal effort.

Tips for the Perfect French Toast Bake

1. Choose Your Bread Wisely: Opt for slightly stale bread (like brioche, challah, or French bread) as it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy.
2. Go Heavy on the Cinnamon and Vanilla: These two ingredients add rich flavor, so don’t skimp! If you’re a fan of extra warmth, a touch of nutmeg works wonderfully.
3. Prep the Night Before: Letting the bread soak overnight ensures it absorbs the custard fully, leading to a softer, more flavorful bake.
4. Toppings Galore: Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a drizzle of warm maple syrup or caramel sauce.

French Toast Bake Recipe

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of stale brioche or challah bread, cubed
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Powdered sugar (for serving)
• Maple syrup (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the cubed bread in the dish, arranging it in an even layer.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until fully combined.
3. Pour and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring each piece is coated. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
5. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve with maple syrup. Enjoy!

Common Questions & Answers

Q: Can I use other types of bread if I don’t have brioche or challah?
A: Absolutely! French or Italian bread works well. Avoid very soft bread like sandwich loaves, as they can become too mushy.

Q: What if I forgot to prep it the night before?
A: No worries! If you’re short on time, let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking. The texture may be slightly less custardy, but it’ll still taste delicious.

Q: Can I make this French Toast Bake gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute with your favorite gluten-free bread. Opt for a denser variety to avoid a mushy texture.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, you can! Let the bake cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: How do I make this dairy-free?
A: Swap out the milk and heavy cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives, like almond milk or coconut milk.

Make Your Mornings Special

A French Toast Bake is the perfect way to start a cozy morning or a celebratory brunch. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the fact that you can customize it with different toppings, mix-ins, or even flavors in the custard. Try adding in seasonal fruits like blueberries or a handful of chocolate chips to make it your own. Enjoy the comfort of French toast with the ease of an oven bake!

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