Baked French Toast Recipe

French bread: A loaf of sliced French bread is the base of this recipe, providing a sturdy yet absorbent texture.

Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating the custard that soaks into the bread, giving it a rich and creamy consistency.

Milk: Milk helps to create the custard mixture, adding moisture and richness.

Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the dish, balancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

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

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

Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and spice.

To ensure your baked French toast has a rich, custardy texture, allow the bread slices to soak in the egg mixture for at least 15 minutes before baking. This gives the bread time to absorb the liquid thoroughly, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish. If you have extra time, you can even refrigerate the dish overnight to let the flavors meld together even more.

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

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

• 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 still provides a creamy texture for the baked french toast.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a subtle coconut flavor and richness, making it a great dairy-free alternative.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, which complements the cinnamon and vanilla extract.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly floral flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the baked french toast.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but equally delightful flavor profile, adding a nutty undertone to the baked french toast.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can be a good alternative to cinnamon.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices, adding a complex flavor to the baked french toast.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the baked french toast.

• Allow the baked French toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the bread soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To freeze, cut the baked French toast into individual portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the French toast in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, use the microwave on the defrost setting.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

• For a crispy texture, reheat the slices in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat until the edges are golden brown.

• Serve with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy the delightful flavors as if freshly baked!

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked French toast on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispy top while ensuring the inside is heated evenly.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a slice of baked French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it’s heated evenly.

• If you prefer a slightly crispier texture, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the baked French toast directly on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the edges are slightly crispy.

• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the baked French toast in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s heated through and has a nice golden crust.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked French toast in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s warmed through and the edges are crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast to a golden brown perfection.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for whisking together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Whisk: Helps in thoroughly combining the ingredients for the egg mixture.

• Baking dish: Holds the arranged bread slices and the egg mixture for baking.

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

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Knife: Useful for slicing the loaf of French bread if it isn't pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the bread.

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

Prepare the egg mixture ahead: Mix the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt the night before and store in the fridge.

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

Soak the bread overnight: Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish and pour the egg mixture over them the night before. Cover and refrigerate.

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

Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven while you prepare the dish to save time.