Baked French Toast Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread, cut into cubes, provides the perfect base for this dish, offering a slightly chewy texture that soaks up the egg mixture beautifully.

Eggs: Large eggs are used to create the custard-like mixture that binds the dish together.

Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps to create a creamy texture.

Heavy cream: Heavy cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the dish.

Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness to the custard mixture.

Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and helps to create a slightly crispy top.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, adding a warm and aromatic note to the dish.

When preparing baked French toast, ensure that the bread cubes are evenly distributed in the baking dish. This allows the egg mixture to soak into every piece, resulting in a uniform texture. For an extra touch, let the bread soak in the egg mixture for about 30 minutes before baking. This step ensures that the bread absorbs all the flavors, making the French toast rich and custardy.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it an excellent alternative for a more decadent baked French toast.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a soft texture, which works well for soaking up the custard mixture.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that provides a similar consistency and flavor.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free option that has a creamy texture, making it a good substitute.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative that adds richness and a slight coconut flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is less rich but still provides a creamy texture.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a distinct flavor that complements French toast.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar texture and a slight caramel flavor, making it a good alternative.

• brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is less processed and adds a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a rich, sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• Allow the baked French toast to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.

• For short-term storage, transfer the baked French toast to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Warm for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for reference.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the French toast in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.

• For a quicker option, you can microwave individual portions. Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• To maintain the best texture, avoid microwaving directly from frozen. Always thaw first for even reheating.

• If you prefer a crispier texture, consider reheating in a toaster oven. Set to 350°F (175°C) and toast for 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy.

• For added flavor, sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup or top with fresh berries for a delightful touch.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover baked French toast in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method: Place a portion of the baked French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the French toast rubbery.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the baked French toast slices in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the baked French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the French toast is heated through and the edges are crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked French toast on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, you can toast it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast at the specified temperature.

• Baking dish: Holds the cubed French bread and egg mixture while baking.

• Butter or non-stick spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Helps in thoroughly mixing the wet ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugars accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract.

• Knife: Used to cut the French bread into cubes.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to cut the French bread.

• Spatula: Helps in spreading the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked French toast to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the french bread and measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugars the night before.

Use a large mixing bowl: This allows you to whisk the egg mixture quickly and efficiently.

Soak overnight: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and let it soak in the baking dish overnight in the fridge.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you assemble the dish to save time.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.