Baked French Toast Recipe

French bread: A loaf of sliced French bread is the base of this recipe, providing a sturdy yet soft texture that soaks up the custard mixture beautifully.

Eggs: Eggs are crucial for creating the custard that binds the dish together, giving it a rich and creamy consistency.

Milk: Milk adds moisture and richness to the custard mixture. Whole milk is preferred, but other types can be used.

Sugar: Sugar sweetens the custard, balancing the flavors and adding a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the custard, adding a warm and aromatic note.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a hint of spice and warmth, complementing the sweetness of the dish.

Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

To ensure the french bread absorbs the custard mixture thoroughly, let it sit for at least 15 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to soak up all the flavors, resulting in a richer and more cohesive baked french toast.

• sliced french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, providing a similar texture and flavor profile to french bread.

• sliced french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a soft texture, making it an excellent alternative for baked french toast.

• 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.

• eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Use ¼ cup of applesauce per egg. This adds moisture and a hint of sweetness, suitable for a baked dish.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in baked recipes, providing a similar consistency.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a slight coconut flavor, which can enhance the dish.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can replace sugar, adding a different depth of flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a unique sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, making it a great alternative to sugar.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different, nutty flavor that can complement the other ingredients.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can provide a sweet, rich flavor that pairs well with the other components of the dish.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can be used in place of cinnamon.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding a complex flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral taste.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser texture and can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt.

• Allow the baked French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the bread soggy.
• Once cooled, cut the French toast into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For an extra layer of protection, place the wrapped pieces in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container.
• Label the container with the date. Baked French toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• For reheating from the freezer, allow the French toast to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Follow the same reheating instructions as above.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave. Place a piece on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• For a crispier texture, consider reheating in a toaster oven or on a griddle for a few minutes on each side.
• Add fresh toppings like berries, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked French toast in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispier top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the baked French toast on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until fully warmed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the baked French toast slices in the skillet.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the baked French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed and crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the baked French toast on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the top is slightly crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and set.

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

• Whisk: Used to mix the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt together.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and whisk the ingredients for the custard.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Knife: Used to slice the French bread if it is not pre-sliced.

• Spatula: Helps to spread the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices.

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

• Non-stick spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt the night before.

Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by buying pre-sliced french bread instead of slicing it yourself.

Soak overnight: Let the bread slices soak in the egg mixture overnight in the refrigerator for a richer flavor and quicker prep in the morning.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easier cleanup.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick breakfast option later.