Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *baked French toast*! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! I still remember the first time I made it for a sleepy Sunday brunch with friends. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the kitchen was enough to wake the entire house! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like pulling a golden, fluffy dish of baked French toast from the oven and watching everyone’s eyes light up. It’s a dish that brings people together, and you won’t believe how simple it is to prepare! So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on this delicious journey to brunch bliss!
Ingredients List
- 6 slices of stale bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
How to Prepare Baked French Toast
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your baked French toast cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color. While the oven is warming up, grab a baking dish (I usually use something around 9×13 inches) and give it a good greasing with butter or cooking spray. This will help the toast slide right out once it’s done, and who doesn’t love an easy clean-up?
Arrange the Bread
Now it’s time to get your bread in the dish! I like to use stale bread because it soaks up the egg mixture much better—trust me, the more it’s dried out, the better the results! Arrange those six slices snugly in the greased dish, overlapping them a bit if you need to. It’s like creating a cozy little bread layer cake! Make sure they’re all facing the same way if you can; it just looks nicer when it’s baked.
Create the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, let’s whip up that egg mixture! Start by cracking your four large eggs into the bowl. Then, pour in the one cup of whole milk and the half cup of heavy cream—this is where the richness comes in! Add in the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Now, grab a whisk and mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want to make sure everything is well combined; just think of all that deliciousness you’re about to create!
Soak the Bread
Here comes the fun part—pouring that heavenly mixture over the bread! Carefully drizzle it all over your arranged slices, ensuring every piece gets a good soak. You might want to use a spatula to gently press the bread down and make sure it absorbs all that eggy goodness. Don’t rush this step; let it soak for about 15 minutes. This is key to achieving that fluffy texture!
Let It Sit and Bake
After soaking, it’s time to pop that dish into the preheated oven. Bake it for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s puffed up and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s ready when you can see the edges are crispy and the center no longer jiggles. Just picture that gorgeous, warm baked French toast coming out of the oven—pure bliss! Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your baked French toast turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by:
- Use Stale Bread: I can’t stress this enough! Stale bread is your best friend here. It soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without falling apart. If you don’t have stale bread, just leave your fresh bread out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
- Prep Ahead: Want to impress your friends without the morning stress? You can assemble everything the night before! Just cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. In the morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven!
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to play around with spices! A pinch of nutmeg or a splash of orange zest can take your baked French toast to a whole new level. Get creative and make it your own!
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: Letting the bread soak for that full 15 minutes is crucial. If you’re in a rush, don’t cut this step short. It’s what gives you that dreamy, custardy texture.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on it while it bakes. Every oven is a little different, so you might need to adjust the time. It should be golden brown, and the center shouldn’t jiggle when you shake the dish gently.
With these tips, I’m confident you’ll have a baked French toast that’s not just good, but absolutely fabulous! Enjoy every bite!
Variations
The beauty of baked French toast is how versatile it can be! I love experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to keep things exciting. Here are some of my favorite variations that you might want to try:
- Different Bread Types: While I adore using stale bread, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try using brioche for a richer flavor, challah for a touch of sweetness, or even whole grain for a healthier twist. Each type brings its own unique texture and taste!
- Fruity Add-Ins: Want to brighten things up? Toss in some fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even chopped apples into the bread layers before pouring the egg mixture on top. They’ll add a lovely burst of flavor and a pop of color!
- Nutty Crunch: For those who love a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top before baking. They’ll toast up beautifully and add a delightful texture contrast to the soft bread.
- Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a chocolate fanatic like me, add some chocolate chips to the bread before pouring the mixture over. It’s a decadent twist that turns your baked French toast into a dessert-like treat!
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with different spices and extracts. Swap out vanilla for almond extract, or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for an exotic flair. It’s amazing how a little change can transform the whole dish!
- Sweet Toppings: Once it’s baked, don’t forget to top your French toast with something special! A dusting of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate your brunch to a whole new level!
With these variations, you can create a baked French toast that’s uniquely yours every time you whip it up! Have fun experimenting and savoring all the deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this lovely baked French toast! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and their brands, so I can’t give you an exact number here. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving, which is about one slice:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
These values can give you a good ballpark of what this delicious dish brings to the table. Whether you’re enjoying it for a special brunch or just a cozy breakfast at home, I hope this helps you keep track of your meal while savoring every delightful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make baked French toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I love making it the night before. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, take it out, let it sit for a few minutes to come to room temperature, then bake as directed. It’s a great way to save time on busy mornings!
What type of bread is best for baked French toast?
I recommend using stale bread for the best results. It soaks up the egg mixture beautifully! Brioche or challah works wonderfully if you’re looking for something richer, while whole grain can be a healthier option. Just avoid soft sandwich bread if you can.
Can I freeze baked French toast?
Yes, you can! After baking, let it cool completely, then slice it into individual pieces. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
What toppings go well with baked French toast?
Oh, there are so many delicious options! I love topping mine with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup. You could also add whipped cream or yogurt for extra creaminess. Get creative with your favorite toppings!
How do I know when my baked French toast is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when it’s puffed up and golden brown on top. Give it a gentle shake; the center should not jiggle too much. If the edges are crispy and the center is set, you’re good to go! Enjoy that beautiful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans!
- Rich, custardy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Great for feeding a crowd—this recipe yields four generous servings!
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings and flavors.
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy the morning without the hassle!
- A delightful mix of comforting flavors—vanilla and cinnamon that fills your kitchen with warmth.
- Perfectly suitable for any occasion, from casual breakfasts to festive gatherings.
Baked French Toast: 7 Tips for Irresistibly Delicious Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious baked French toast that is easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish.
- Arrange the bread slices in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring all slices are soaked.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with syrup or fruit.
Notes
- Use stale bread for best results.
- Can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
- Top with powdered sugar or fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: baked french toast, breakfast, brunch
