If you love the classic taste of French toast but want something easier to prepare for a crowd, the French Toast Bake is the perfect solution. This simple yet delicious breakfast dish brings all the flavors of traditional French toast, but in the form of a bake that’s perfect for feeding a group. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday brunch, a family breakfast, or even just a relaxing weekend morning, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
The best part? You can make it ahead of time and bake it in the morning, saving precious time when you need it most. Let’s dive into how to make this easy and delicious French Toast Bake, and why it’s the perfect addition to your breakfast rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need for French Toast Bake
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up whenever you’re in the mood for a comforting breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of bread: The bread is the base of the French toast bake. You can use regular white bread, but thicker breads like challah or brioche will give the casserole extra richness and flavor.
- 8 large eggs: The eggs are essential for creating that creamy, custard-like texture throughout the bake.
- 1 1/2 cups of milk: The milk helps to make the custard base creamy and smooth.
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup: A touch of sweetness is added with maple syrup, which enhances the flavor of the cinnamon and bread.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For a lovely aroma and flavor that makes the dish taste just like French toast.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is a must for that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 cup of melted butter: Butter adds richness and helps the bake come out golden and delicious.
- Powdered sugar (optional): To dust over the top before serving, adding a sweet finishing touch.
This simple ingredient list creates a rich and flavorful bake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special holiday meal.
How to Make French Toast Bake
Making a French Toast Bake is super easy! Follow these simple steps to make a delicious breakfast dish that will wow your family or guests:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the bake from sticking.
- Prepare the bread: Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. If you’re using a thicker bread like challah or brioche, you’ll get an even better result, as they absorb the egg mixture beautifully. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined. This creates the custard mixture that will soak into the bread and give it that signature French toast texture.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, making sure all the bread is coated. Press down on the bread gently with a spatula to ensure everything soaks up the custard.
- Chill the bake: For the best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the casserole for at least an hour (or overnight). This step allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture and results in a richer, more flavorful bake.
- Bake the casserole: Once ready to bake, preheat the oven (if you haven’t already) and place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with extra maple syrup, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best French Toast Bake
While the French Toast Bake is already incredibly simple, there are a few tips that can make your version even better:
- Use day-old bread: Stale bread or day-old bread works best, as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively. Fresh bread can become too soggy.
- Add fruit or nuts: Feel free to mix things up by adding fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or apples before baking. Chopped pecans or walnuts also make a delicious addition for some crunch.
- Make it ahead: As mentioned, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. If you’re preparing it the night before, just be sure to refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight so the bread can soak up the custard.
- Top with whipped cream or fresh berries: Once baked, top your French toast bake with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness.
Variations of French Toast Bake
French Toast Bake is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for how to customize this dish:
Chocolate Chip French Toast Bake
For a sweeter twist, add chocolate chips to the bread before pouring over the egg mixture. The melted chocolate will create pockets of gooey goodness throughout the bake.
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake
Mix in diced apples and a bit more cinnamon for an apple cinnamon version. The apples will soften as they bake, adding a fruity contrast to the richness of the custard.
Savory French Toast Bake
While this recipe is traditionally sweet, you can make a savory version by omitting the maple syrup and adding ingredients like cooked sausage, bacon, cheese, and herbs.
Vegan French Toast Bake
To make a vegan version, swap out the eggs and milk for plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and almond milk. Use vegan bread and replace the butter with coconut oil for a fully vegan French toast bake.
Why You’ll Love French Toast Bake
There are plenty of reasons why this French Toast Bake will become one of your go-to breakfast dishes:
- Perfect for feeding a crowd: Whether it’s a family breakfast or a holiday brunch, this casserole is ideal for serving multiple people with minimal effort.
- Make it ahead of time: The option to prepare this bake the night before means less stress in the morning and more time to relax.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding fruits, nuts, or even chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
- Comforting: It’s a warm, comforting dish that combines all the best parts of French toast, with an added convenience factor.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely with how delicious this bake is), storing and reheating it is easy:
- Store: Let the French toast bake cool completely before storing. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick breakfast.
Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a delicious breakfast, French Toast Bake is the perfect dish. It combines the comforting flavors of classic French toast with the convenience of a casserole, making it a favorite for any occasion. Plus, with its ability to be made ahead of time, it’s perfect for busy mornings when you want a stress-free breakfast that’s still special.
So, the next time you’re craving French toast, try this easy and delicious bake. We’re sure it will become a family favorite!
