Baked French Toast Recipe

Loaf of French bread: This forms the base of the dish and soaks up the egg mixture beautifully.

Eggs: These provide structure and richness to the French toast.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a custard-like consistency.

Heavy cream: Enhances the richness and creaminess of the dish.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the flavors.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice and warmth.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

To ensure your baked French toast has a rich and custardy texture, allow the bread slices to soak in the egg mixture for at least 15-20 minutes before baking. This extra soaking time helps the bread absorb more of the custard, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.

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

• sliced french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and soft, making it a great alternative for a tender baked French toast.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Use ¼ cup blended silken tofu per egg. It provides a similar texture and is a good protein source.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baked dishes.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy texture and neutral flavor, making it a suitable substitute.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is rich and thick, providing a similar consistency and a hint of coconut flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream is a dairy-free alternative that is creamy and rich, perfect for baking.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly floral flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract provides a unique flavor twist while maintaining sweetness.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon and other spices, adding a warm, complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements baked dishes.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar flavor with a slightly different mineral profile.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a coarser texture and a pure, clean flavor.

• Allow the baked French toast to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the French toast to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to freeze the baked French toast, cut it into individual portions. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Store the wrapped portions in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For best results, use within the first month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the French toast in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for a quicker option, heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
• For added crispiness, consider reheating in a toaster oven or under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
• Serve with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

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

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a slice of baked French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the baked French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method will help retain the crispiness of the toast.

• 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 slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and slightly crispy.

• If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked French toast slices on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they don’t overcook. This method is great for achieving a golden brown finish.

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking dish: The dish where the bread slices are arranged and baked.

• Butter or non-stick spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Whisk: Used to mix the ingredients thoroughly in the mixing bowl.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk, heavy cream, and sugar accurately.

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

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

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to slice the French bread.

• Cooling rack: Used to let the baked French toast cool for a few minutes before serving.

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

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

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

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the dish to save time.

Use non-stick spray: Grease the baking dish with non-stick spray for quick and easy cleanup.