I used to make French toast for my family every Sunday. I would make it the usual way; bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, salt and cinnamon and then fried in a pan of melted butter. It was really good especially with maple syrup. Then last week, I stumbled upon this recipe for baked French toast which I thought I should try. I made it on Saturday for breakfast and it turned out good but not the way I would like my French toast to be. So I looked for other baked French toast recipes and I found one that has cream cheese between layers of bread. It required soaking the slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon and maple syrup overnight. Since I have all the ingredients on hand, I was able to make it that night and baked it Sunday morning. This time the French toast turned the way I want it to be. The top layer was toasty and the cream cheese filling made it even more delicious. I enjoyed my French toast with extra maple syrup on it. Yummy 🙂
Cooking Tips for Perfect Baked French Toast
To get the best results with baked French toast, start by choosing the right bread. A thicker bread like challah or brioche works wonderfully because it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If you can, use day-old bread. It has a firmer texture, making it perfect for soaking. When preparing your custard, whisk the eggs and liquids thoroughly to ensure an even mixture. Letting the bread soak overnight is essential for the flavors to develop. If you forget to soak it overnight, aim for at least an hour before baking. This allows the bread to absorb the custard properly. When baking, cover the dish with foil for the first half of the cooking time. This ensures the custard cooks through without burning the top. Then, remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to achieve that golden, crispy layer. Finally, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check for a firm but slightly jiggly center when you pull it out.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Baked French toast is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with toppings and flavors. For serving, fresh fruit is a great addition. Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas add a refreshing touch. You could also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a nice presentation. If you’re feeling indulgent, whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt pairs perfectly with the sweetness. For flavor variations, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the custard mixture before baking. A splash of vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile as well. If you want to try a savory twist, omit the sugar in the custard and add cooked bacon or sausage between the layers of bread. This unexpected combination will surprise your taste buds. Lastly, if you have leftovers, serve them as a quick breakfast the next day or even as a dessert. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave, and they will still taste delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread for this baked French toast?
Sure, thicker breads like challah or brioche work really well because they soak up the custard nicely. If you have some day-old bread lying around, that’s even better since it holds up better during soaking.
How should I store leftover baked French toast?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3 to 4 days, and you can reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I make this baked French toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before by soaking the bread and custard mixture, then just pop it in the oven in the morning. This way, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast without much morning fuss.
What can I serve with baked French toast?
Baked French toast goes great with fresh fruits like berries or bananas, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. You can also serve it with extra maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a dollop of yogurt for some creaminess.
What are common mistakes to avoid when making baked French toast?
One common mistake is not letting the bread soak long enough, which can result in a dry texture. Also, be sure to whisk your egg and milk mixture thoroughly to avoid any clumps, ensuring an even custard throughout.
Baked French Toast
Ingredients
- 7-8 slices white bread crusts removed and cut into 1” cubes
- 6 oz cream cheese cut into small cubes
- 6 eggs well beaten
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Cover the bottom of a greased 8” square pan with half of the bread.
- Dot the cream cheese on top and cover with the remaining bread.
- In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, cinnamon and maple syrup.
- Pour the mixture over the slices of bread.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- The next morning, remove the plastic wrap and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 45-50 minutes or until puffy and golden.
- Serve immediately with extra maple syrup.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Love it!!! Thanks so much for the recipe.
You’re welcome Kessi! Glad you like it 🙂