Irresistible French Toast Bake Recipe

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There’s something incredibly comforting about French toast, especially on lazy mornings when the smell of cinnamon, vanilla, and warm maple syrup fills the house. But what if you could make an entire French toast breakfast without standing over the stove? Enter the French Toast Bake: all the deliciousness of traditional French toast in a warm, custardy bake perfect for feeding a crowd.

This recipe is easy to make, can be prepared the night before, and comes out golden, caramelized, and perfect every time. Gather the family, pour some coffee, and get ready for a breakfast they’ll request again and again.

French Toast Bake Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Prep the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the cubed bread in an even layer.
2. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to make sure the bread soaks it up evenly. Drizzle the melted butter on top.
4. Rest: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for a creamy texture.
5. Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, add fresh berries, or drizzle with maple syrup. Enjoy warm!

Tips for the Perfect French Toast Bake:

1. Choose the Right Bread: Brioche or challah are ideal for French toast bake as they are soft, absorbent, and slightly sweet. Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
2. Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for prepping the night before. Just combine the ingredients, cover, and let it chill overnight. In the morning, simply bake and enjoy!
3. Add Texture: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking. Alternatively, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a caramelized crust.
4. Flavor Variations: Add your favorite twists! Swap out the vanilla for almond extract, or mix in seasonal fruits like apples or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor.

Common Questions and Answers:

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Yes! While brioche and challah are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can also use French bread, sourdough, or even leftover croissants. Just avoid breads that are too soft, as they may become too mushy.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. For the butter, use coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: French Toast Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Q: Can I freeze French Toast Bake?
A: Yes! Once baked, let it cool completely, then slice it into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven.

Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: For a lighter version, use whole grain bread, almond milk, and reduce the sugar to taste. You can also skip the butter drizzle or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead.

This French Toast Bake is a breakfast classic reimagined with simplicity in mind—no flipping, no mess, and a dish that makes any morning feel a bit more special. Perfect for holidays, brunch with friends, or just a cozy family weekend, this recipe will quickly become a favorite! Enjoy the heartwarming flavors and the ease of prepping in advance, so all that’s left is to dig in!

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