Easy Baked French Toast Recipe for Perfect Breakfasts

Baked French toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish that combines simplicity with deliciousness, making it a favorite among families and brunch enthusiasts alike. Unlike traditional French toast, which requires careful flipping and attention to avoid uneven cooking, baking allows you to prepare larger portions that cook evenly in the oven, freeing up your time for other morning tasks. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or simply treating yourself on a weekday, baked French toast offers a satisfyingly indulgent way to start the day.

Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day, and having a variety of enticing breakfast recipes can elevate your morning routine. With baked French toast, you'll find an effortless method to create a dish that feels special yet is accessible for any skill level in the kitchen. You can easily customize your baked French toast with a range of toppings and add-ins, ensuring each bite is full of rich flavor. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also serves as an enjoyable experience when shared with loved ones.

The unique selling point of baked French toast lies in its ease of preparation and the ability to serve multiple people at once without the stress of flipping each slice individually. This makes it a perfect choice for any occasion, from casual family breakfasts to festive brunch gatherings. With all these advantages, it's no wonder that baked French toast is making a name for itself as a beloved breakfast staple.

What is Baked French Toast?

Baked French toast is a delightful and versatile dish that takes the beloved classic French toast and elevates it by utilizing the oven. It consists of slices of bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and flavorings, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a fluffy, custard-like texture that contrasts wonderfully with any toppings or syrups you choose to add. This dish provides a fantastic base for all sorts of flavor profiles, making it a blank canvas for your creative breakfast visions.

When compared to traditional French toast, which typically involves frying each slice on a griddle, baked French toast offers significant advantages. The baking method allows you to prepare a larger quantity at once, making it ideal for family breakfasts, brunch parties, or special occasions. Unlike frying, where you need to watch and flip each piece meticulously, baking ensures that every slice is cooked uniformly, minimizing the risk of burnt edges or eggy centers. This efficiency doesn't sacrifice flavor, as the soaking process combined with the baking transforms the bread into a deliciously decadent dish.

Key Ingredients

To create the perfect baked French toast, having the right ingredients is essential. The foundational elements combine to provide both flavor and texture while allowing for numerous variations that cater to personal tastes. The main components typically include bread, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and sweeteners, each playing a crucial role in the final outcome.

Essential Ingredients

• Bread: The type of bread you choose significantly affects the texture and flavor of your baked French toast. Sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread holds up well during soaking and yields a rich, moist result.
• Eggs: Eggs provide the custardy base that binds the ingredients together. They also help create a rich flavor and fluffy texture.
• Milk: Whole milk or a combination of milk and cream adds creaminess. Dairy alternatives such as almond or oat milk can also be used for a lighter version.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the custard mixture, adding warmth and sweetness.
• Sweeteners: Whether you prefer granulated sugar, brown sugar, or natural sweeteners like maple syrup, these ingredients elevate the dish and provide a touch of sweetness.

Optional Add-ins

• Cinnamon: A classic spice that brings warmth and flavor complexity to your baked French toast.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg enhances the overall flavor profile, giving a delightful warmth.
• Fruit: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or apples can be layered within or on top of the toast for added sweetness and nutrition.
• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the custard base.

Key Ingredients

To create the perfect baked French toast, having the right ingredients is essential. The foundational elements combine to provide both flavor and texture while allowing for numerous variations that cater to personal tastes. The main components typically include bread, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and sweeteners, each playing a crucial role in the final outcome.

Essential Ingredients

• Bread: The type of bread you choose significantly affects the texture and flavor of your baked French toast. Sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread holds up well during soaking and yields a rich, moist result.
• Eggs: Eggs provide the custardy base that binds the ingredients together. They also help create a rich flavor and fluffy texture.
• Milk: Whole milk or a combination of milk and cream adds creaminess. Dairy alternatives such as almond or oat milk can also be used for a lighter version.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the custard mixture, adding warmth and sweetness.
• Sweeteners: Whether you prefer granulated sugar, brown sugar, or natural sweeteners like maple syrup, these ingredients elevate the dish and provide a touch of sweetness.

Optional Add-ins

• Cinnamon: A classic spice that brings warmth and flavor complexity to your baked French toast.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg enhances the overall flavor profile, giving a delightful warmth.
• Fruit: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or apples can be layered within or on top of the toast for added sweetness and nutrition.
• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the custard base.

Detailed Recipe for Baked French Toast

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of sturdy bread (brioche or challah preferred)
• 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, as desired)
• Syrup for serving (maple syrup recommended)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Slice the bread into thick pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish, layering them slightly to fit.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure every slice is well-coated. Allow it to soak for at least 15-30 minutes for best absorption.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed.
6. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with fresh fruit and syrup.

Serving Suggestions

Baked French toast can be enjoyed on its own or topped with a variety of delicious accompaniments. Consider adding:

• Whipped cream for a light, fluffy texture.
• Maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
• Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices for a burst of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Baked French Toast

• Recommended bread types: Choose sturdy, slightly stale bread for improved texture and flavor absorption.
• Soaking time: Allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for a richer taste.
• Alternate baking methods: Try preparing the dish the night before by soaking the bread and baking it in the morning for a quick breakfast option.

baked french toast

This Baked French Toast recipe is a delicious and easy way to serve a breakfast favorite for a crowd. It’s perfect for brunch or special occasions, allowing you to prepare it in advance and then bake it to golden perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 250 kcal

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.

Notes

Feel free to customize your baked French toast by adding ingredients such as sliced fruits (like bananas or berries) or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

This dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.