Baked French Toast Recipe

French bread: A loaf of sliced French bread is ideal for this recipe, providing a sturdy base that absorbs the custard mixture well.

Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and create a rich custard.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create the custard base.

Heavy cream: Provides a rich, creamy texture to the custard.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dish.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a touch of spice and warmth.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

For an extra rich and flavorful baked French toast, try using day-old bread. Slightly stale bread will absorb the custard mixture better, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish. Additionally, you can sprinkle a bit of brown sugar and butter on top before baking to create a caramelized crust.

• sliced french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it a perfect alternative for a more decadent baked French toast.

• sliced french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a similar texture, making it an excellent substitute.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative.

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

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

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy texture and is a good dairy-free alternative.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is rich and thick, making it a great dairy-free substitute.

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk has a similar consistency and can be used if you want a less rich option.

• 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.

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

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.

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

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a similar warm spice note.

• 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 result.

• Allow the baked french toast to cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• Once cooled, cut the french toast into individual servings. This makes it easier to store and reheat later.

• For short-term storage, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for a quicker option, heating each slice for about 1-2 minutes.

• For frozen slices, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you're in a hurry, you can reheat directly from frozen by baking in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• To maintain the crispiness of the french toast, avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the bread soggy. The oven or a toaster oven is the best option for a crispy texture.

• If you prefer a softer texture, cover the french toast with aluminum foil while reheating in the oven. This traps moisture and keeps the bread tender.

• Serve reheated baked french toast with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover baked French toast on a baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain the crispy texture on the outside while ensuring the inside is warm and custardy.

• Microwave Method: Place a portion of the baked French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Be cautious not to overheat, as it can make the bread rubbery.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy. This method adds a delightful crunch to the reheated slices.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked French toast slices on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method is quick and helps maintain the texture of the toast.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and warm.

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

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

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the ingredients in the mixing bowl.

• Baking dish: Holds the sliced French bread and the egg mixture while baking.

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

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

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

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked French toast to cool evenly after it comes out of the oven.

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

Use stale bread: Stale french bread absorbs the custard mixture better, reducing soaking time.

Pre-slice bread: Have your french bread pre-sliced to save time when assembling the dish.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.

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