Oh my goodness, if there’s one breakfast dish that holds a special place in my heart, it’s definitely French toast bake! It’s like a warm hug in the morning, and my family just adores it. I love how easy it is to whip up—just toss everything together, let it soak, and pop it in the oven. It’s perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings when you want to enjoy a delicious breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser for brunch gatherings or even a cozy breakfast for two. The sweet aroma fills the house, and I can’t help but smile knowing we’re all about to dig into something truly scrumptious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a family favorite too!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious French toast bake. You’ll be amazed at how easily everything comes together!
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed: Use whatever bread you love—brioche, challah, or even whole wheat works wonders!
- 6 large eggs: These are the heart of the dish, giving it that rich, custardy texture.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk is fantastic, but you can use any kind you have on hand.
- 1/2 cup sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance everything out.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: For a lovely depth of flavor—don’t skimp on this!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This is what makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Butter for greasing: Use this to ensure your bake comes out perfectly from the dish.
- Maple syrup for serving: A drizzle (or more!) of maple syrup takes this to the next level!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking dish and generously grease it with butter. This step is crucial because it helps the French toast bake slide right out, leaving you with a beautiful, golden top. Just imagine how delicious it’ll look when it’s done!
Assemble the Base
Now, take your cubed bread and place it evenly in the greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out well; you want every piece to soak up that delicious custard mixture. It’s like creating a cozy little bed for all that goodness to come!
Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is nicely combined. You want it to be smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This mixture is what gives your French toast bake that dreamy, custardy texture that everyone loves!
Combine and Soak
Next, pour that luscious egg mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring every single piece gets soaked. It’s important to let it sit for about 15 minutes so the bread can absorb all those wonderful flavors. Trust me, this soaking time is where the magic happens!
Bake and Serve
Finally, pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. When it’s done, let it cool for just a minute before serving warm, drizzled with maple syrup. You’re going to love every bite of this heavenly breakfast treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: This French toast bake comes together in no time, making breakfast a breeze!
- Great for feeding a crowd: With eight generous servings, it’s perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
- Versatile with toppings: You can top it with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even nuts—whatever tickles your fancy!
- Easy to customize with fruits: Toss in your favorite berries or sliced bananas for an extra burst of flavor.
- Perfect for breakfast or brunch: Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a special occasion, this dish fits any morning mood!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about making your French toast bake absolutely perfect! First off, using stale bread is a game changer. It soaks up that custard mixture beautifully without turning mushy. If you can, prepare everything the night before and let it chill in the fridge. This not only saves you time in the morning but also enhances the flavors as they meld together overnight—yum!
Don’t be shy about adding fruits! Toss in some fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even chopped apples to elevate your bake. They add a delightful burst of sweetness and flavor. And if you want to get a little fancy, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving. Trust me, these little tweaks will have everyone asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional breakdown of this delicious French toast bake? Here’s a rough estimate per serving that you can keep in mind while enjoying this delightful breakfast treat:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugar: 12g
Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to a hearty breakfast!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! You can use any bread you love—brioche, challah, sourdough, or even whole wheat. Just keep in mind that denser breads will give you a more filling bake, while lighter breads will create a fluffier texture. Get creative and use what you have on hand!
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pieces to an airtight container. You can pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools completely before storing to avoid sogginess!
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! One of the best things about this French toast bake is that you can prepare it the night before. Just assemble everything, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
What can I serve with it?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Serve it warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. Fresh fruits like berries or bananas make a wonderful topping too. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for that fancy touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To properly store your leftover French toast bake, first allow it to cool completely. Then, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the individual slices to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—trust me, it’s still delicious even a few days later!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. Just pop a slice in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep that lovely texture intact. Don’t forget to drizzle on some fresh maple syrup before serving—it makes all the difference and brings back that cozy breakfast vibe!
Print
French toast bake: 5 reasons to fall in love today
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make french toast bake, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter for greasing
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Place the cubed bread in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Add fruits like berries or bananas for extra flavor.
- Can be prepared the night before and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: french toast bake
