Indulge in a delightful breakfast with this easy and scrumptious Baked French Toast. The blend of warm spices, vanilla, and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup makes it the perfect kickstart to your day. This recipe, in my opinion, is the best – simple yet incredibly satisfying.
Some opt for cooking French toast overnight, often referred to as an “overnight French toast casserole,” as a convenient way to prepare this classic breakfast dish in advance. This method ensures that your meal is ready to go in the morning, allowing the bread to soak thoroughly in the egg mixture, enhancing the melding of flavors. While both methods have their merits, I personally prefer the immediacy of preparing it fresh.
How do you make your favorite French toast? Share your tips and preferences!
Recipe
Ingredients in this recipe
- 1 loaf French bread or other sweet pastry (Brioche Christmas), cut into 1-inch slices
- 6 large eggs or 8 smaller
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Step-by-step instructions
- You have a choice here: fold the bread slices into the baking dish and cover each one with the egg mixture, or dip the slices in the egg mixture individually. The latter option ensures better absorption and even coverage.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Dip the cut slices of French bread in the egg mixture on both sides, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish with a slight overlap.
- Pour the remaining egg mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, pressing down gently to help absorption.
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Add cold butter pieces and work with your fingers until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown, and the center is set.
- Allow the baked French toast to cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with powdered sugar to taste.
- Serve the French toast warm, perhaps with warm milk, cocoa, coffee, or tea. Delight in this delicious breakfast treat!
Discover the joy of savoring French toast infused with delightful flavors. While traditional French recipes might adhere to strict guidelines, my culinary journey—rooted in the Czech Republic and a love for Italy—embraces experimentation and creative modifications. For me, every recipe is an opportunity for personalization, deviating from exact instructions to add a touch of uniqueness.
With this French toast recipe, feel free to choose beyond classic French bread. Opt for any pastry with a similar dough profile—perhaps brioches or Christmas cookies. Experiment with the coating process for individual slices in the egg mixture, and decide whether to prepare the French toast immediately or let it soak overnight. The kitchen is your canvas; let your taste buds guide you.
Whether you prefer a twist on tradition or a faithful rendition, relish this recipe in a way that suits your palate. I eagerly await your tips and comments—happy cooking!
