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 egg mixture beautifully.

Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating the custard-like mixture that binds the bread together and gives the dish its rich flavor.

Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the egg mixture, ensuring the French toast is moist and flavorful.

Sugar: Sugar sweetens the dish, balancing the savory elements and enhancing the overall taste.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides a hint of spice and warmth, making the French toast even more delicious.

Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced dish.

For an extra rich and creamy texture, consider using half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. Additionally, for a deeper flavor, let the bread slices soak in the egg mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking, or even overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and moist baked French toast.

• 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 of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg. This provides a similar texture and is also a vegan option.

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

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

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

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar, adding a distinct flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a rich, warm flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the dish.

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

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a different texture but can be used in the same amount for a similar effect.

• 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 transfer the slices 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 just the amount you need.

• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.

• For best results, consume frozen French toast within 2-3 months. This ensures the best texture and flavor.

• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• For reheating from frozen, you can either thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave to defrost. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above.

• Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by placing the slices on a baking sheet, covering with aluminum foil, and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• To maintain the crispiness of the baked French toast, you can finish reheating in the toaster oven for a few minutes after using the microwave.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked French toast on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last few 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 microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive 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.

• 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 about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the top is slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

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

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

• Baking dish: Greased to hold the sliced French bread and egg mixture.

• Whisk: Used to thoroughly combine the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Large bowl: Used to mix the egg mixture ingredients together.

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

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

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

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to slice the French bread on.

• Spatula: Helpful for spreading the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices.

• 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, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt the night before. Store in the fridge.

Use stale bread: Slightly stale french bread absorbs the egg mixture better, saving soaking time.

Pre-slice bread: Buy pre-sliced french bread or slice it in advance to save prep time.

Grease dish in advance: Grease the baking dish ahead of time to streamline assembly.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra portions for a quick breakfast later.