French Toast Bake is a fantastic, easy-to-make twist on traditional French toast. Instead of dipping individual slices of bread and frying them, you can make a large casserole-style dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a leisurely breakfast with minimal effort. This dish is sweet, custardy, and packed with flavor, and it can be made the night before for a convenient breakfast or brunch the next morning.
Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for French Toast Bake:
French Toast Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of day-old bread (use challah, brioche, or thick white bread for best results)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer texture)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping (Crumble):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Fresh berries (for serving)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut the bread into cubes (about 1-inch squares). If the bread is fresh, lightly toast it in the oven for about 5-10 minutes to help it absorb the custard better.
- Layer the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
2. Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down into the custard to ensure it’s well soaked.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want to prepare it ahead of time. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and pecans (if using).
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture just before baking.
4. Bake the French Toast:
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator if it’s been chilled overnight.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. If you want a crispier topping, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Check doneness by gently inserting a toothpick or knife in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
5. Serve:
- Let the French toast bake cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and top with maple syrup, fresh berries, and/or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips:
- Bread options: The best bread for French Toast Bake is one that’s thick and sturdy. Brioche or challah are ideal, but you can also use regular white bread or even whole wheat for a healthier option.
- Make ahead: If you prep this the night before, simply cover it and refrigerate. In the morning, all you need to do is pop it in the oven.
- Flavors: Add a bit of orange zest, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a unique twist.
- Toppings: You can add a variety of toppings, such as sliced bananas, toasted almonds, or a drizzle of caramel sauce, to personalize the dish.
French Toast Bake is the perfect brunch or breakfast option when you want something comforting and delicious with minimal fuss. You can even customize it with your favorite toppings and fruits! Enjoy!