Baked French Toastrn

a close up shot of Baked French Toast on a plate

Our baked French toast recipe is an irresistible combination of soft bread and warm spices that's easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

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Table of Contents

Baked French Toast Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Baked French Toast Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Wake up to the irresistible aroma of our baked French toast, a perfect blend of flavors that turns a simple breakfast into a gourmet experience. This classic dish layers soft bread soaked in egg custard and warm spices and bakes it until gooey and delicious.

a close up shot of Baked French Toast on a baking dish with slices taken out

Baked French Toast Ingredients

Baked French Toast raw ingredients that are labeled

This baked French toast recipe uses a French baguette for its firm crust and soft interior, which absorbs the egg mixture well. Eggs bind all the ingredients together, creating a custard-like texture.

Maple syrup and light brown sugar add plenty of sweetness, while vanilla and almond extracts enhance the flavor profile.

Lastly, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg introduce a subtle warmth, making the dish even more comforting and delicious.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

2 tablespoons of salted butter, softened (For buttering the baking dish)
1 (14-ounce or 397-gram) French baguette (I used Walmart bakery brand)
8 extra large eggs
1½ cups of half and half
1 cup of heavy cream
⅓ cup of light brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons of maple syrup
2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of pure almond extract
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons of powdered sugar (for dusting after the French toast is baked)

Substitutions and Additions

FRENCH BAGUETTE: If you don’t have a French baguette on hand, you can substitute it with challah bread, sourdough bread, or Italian bread for this easy recipe. Each of these alternatives will offer the dish a slightly different texture and flavor.

MAPLE SYRUP: If you prefer, you can substitute maple syrup with honey. This will give the dish a different kind of sweetness and can be a great alternative if you’re out of maple syrup.

ADDITIONS: Feel free to garnish your baked French toast with your favorite fresh fruits and chopped nuts. This will not only add a pop of color but also introduce new flavors and textures to the dish.

How To Make This Baked French Toast Recipe

Making our baked French toast casserole recipe is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can let the casserole chill in the refrigerator overnight, covered in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, before topping and baking the next morning.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Use a pastry brush to butter a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish.

STEP TWO: Slice the ends of the baguette off, then slice the rest of the baguette into ¾-inch thick slices. (You can either use the ends of bread in the recipe or not.)

baguette sliced into ¾ inches thick sliced

STEP THREE: Add the eggs, half and half, heavy cream, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a large mixing bowl (3-4 quarts).

eggs, half and half, cream, brown sugar, maple, syrup, vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg added to a bowl

STEP FOUR: Use either a whisk or a handheld mixer on low speed to mix the egg mixture until completely combined.

STEP FIVE: Submerge a slice of the baguette into the egg mixture. Keep the slice submerged for 5 seconds per side. Layer and overlap each dipped piece of bread in the casserole dish. Repeat for the remaining bread slices. (I used the end pieces as well.)

STEP SIX: Pour any remaining egg mixture over the dipped slices of bread. Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes. (The French toast will be puffed when finished baking.) Dust the top of the baked French toast with the powdered sugar. Serve while warm.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your casserole at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

baguette submerged into the egg mixture and dusted with powdered sugar

How To Serve

Our baked French toast is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:

Drizzle the French toast with maple syrup, fruit-flavored syrups, or honey for an extra touch of sweetness.

Top the French toast with your favorite fresh fruits. Fresh berries, bananas, and peaches all pair well with this dish.

Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the French toast breakfast bake for a bit of crunch. Almonds, pecans, or walnuts would all be delicious choices.

This French toast is an excellent option for a homemade breakfast on a holiday, such as Christmas or Easter, when you want something special but easy to prepare. Add our Christmas punch to drink.

You can’t go wrong with fancy breakfast recipes that make mornings extra fancy. Try our pumpkin French toast casserole and sheet pan pancakes as well.

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Storage

Our classic French toast casserole is not only delicious but also easy to store. Here’s how you can do it:

MAKE AHEAD: If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked French toast for up to 3 months. Allow the French toast to thaw overnight before baking as directed above.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it easy to enjoy this delicious dish over several days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can also freeze this French toast bake recipe. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in the freezer. It will last for up to 3 months.

REHEATING: When you’re ready to eat the frozen French toast, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Then, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Why We Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why we love this baked French toast recipe. Here are two:

EASE OF PREPARATION: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.

DELICIOUS FLAVOR: The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish is simply irresistible. It’s a treat that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Our baked French toast is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its sweet and savory flavors, combined with its versatility and ease of preparation, make it a recipe that’s sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

You can substitute the French baguette with challah, sourdough, or Italian bread. However, the texture and flavor of the dish may vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare this easy French toast casserole recipe and freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw overnight before baking.

How do I know when the French toast is done baking?

The French toast is done when it’s puffed up and golden brown. This usually takes about 40-45 minutes.

Can I serve this dish to a crowd?

This recipe is perfect for serving a crowd. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and it’s always a hit.

Can I add fruit to this recipe?

Feel free to top the baked French toast with your favorite fresh fruits. Berries, bananas, and peaches all pair well with this dish.

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