Name: Baked French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp butter, melted; 7 large eggs; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 3 Tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 loaves (24 oz) soft French bread, cut into 3/4-inch slices

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Nothing says comfort quite like a warm, fluffy serving of Baked French Toast on a cozy weekend morning or as part of a special brunch. Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling the kitchen as a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make bakes to perfection in the oven. This recipe takes the classic French toast to the next level, turning it into a simple yet impressive breakfast or brunch dish that’s ideal for busy mornings or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked French Toast is the perfect combination of ease and indulgence. Unlike traditional French toast, where each slice is fried individually, this recipe allows you to make a whole pan of French toast at once, saving you time and energy. It’s baked in the oven, giving you more time to relax or prepare other elements of your meal. The soft French bread soaks up the cinnamon-spiced egg mixture and bakes to a fluffy, golden perfection, while the outer layer gets slightly crispy, offering a delightful contrast of textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients for this easy and delicious Baked French Toast. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

2 Tbsp butter, melted
7 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 loaves (24 oz) soft French bread, cut into 3/4-inch slices

Tip: If you don’t have French bread, you can substitute it with challah, brioche, or any other soft bread that can hold up to soaking without falling apart.

Let’s Get Started

Making Baked French Toast is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a perfect breakfast or brunch dish in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter, ensuring that the bottom and sides are fully coated. This will help prevent sticking and add a little extra flavor to the dish.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread

Cut your French bread into 3/4-inch slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. You may need to slightly overlap the slices to fit them all in, depending on the size of your bread and dish.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 7 eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. This custard mixture will soak into the bread, creating a rich, flavorful base.

Step 4: Pour the Custard Over the Bread

Once your custard is ready, pour it evenly over the arranged bread slices in the baking dish. Make sure all the bread slices are coated. Press the bread down slightly with a spatula to ensure the custard soaks into the bread completely. For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle some extra melted butter over the top of the bread slices.

Step 5: Let the Bread Soak

At this point, you can either bake the French toast immediately, or you can cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours. Letting the bread soak overnight in the custard mixture allows the flavors to fully absorb, making it even more decadent. If you decide to bake it right away, skip the soaking step and move on to the next.

Step 6: Bake the French Toast

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the center is set. If you like a slightly softer texture, you can bake for a little less time, but if you prefer a crispier top, leave it in a bit longer. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your baked French toast warm with your favorite toppings. Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream are all excellent choices. You can even add a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for extra flavor.

Servings and Pairing

This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for a family breakfast or brunch gathering. If you have leftovers, they make for a delicious treat the next day! You can pair your Baked French Toast with:

Crispy bacon or sausage: The savory side balances the sweetness of the French toast.
Fresh fruit: Berries, bananas, or sliced apples will add a burst of freshness.
Coffee or fresh juice: Enjoy a cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice alongside your meal for the ultimate breakfast experience.

Variations

While this recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:

Add fruit to the batter: Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even chopped apples can be mixed into the custard for added flavor and texture.
Make it gluten-free: If you’re gluten intolerant, use gluten-free bread for a similar taste and texture.
Add a crunchy topping: Sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top before baking for a little extra crunch.
Make it extra indulgent: Drizzle caramel sauce or chocolate syrup over the top for a dessert-like treat.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), Baked French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven from frozen or microwave for a quick breakfast.

FAQs

Can I make Baked French Toast ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake it as directed.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While French bread gives a wonderful texture, you can also use challah, brioche, or any soft, hearty bread. The bread should be slightly stale for the best results as it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

To make Baked French Toast dairy-free, use non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative. Be sure to choose a dairy-free bread and skip the butter or use a dairy-free butter substitute.

Can I freeze Baked French Toast?

Yes, you can freeze Baked French Toast! After baking, allow it to cool, then wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave.

Final Thoughts

Baked French Toast is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, custardy interior and a crispy, golden exterior. It’s perfect for holiday mornings, brunch with friends, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. Whether served with fresh fruit, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and utterly delicious. Try it today, and enjoy a decadent breakfast that’s as satisfying as it is effortless.