Brunch Baked French Toast Recipe

French bread: A loaf of this bread is ideal for its sturdy texture, which holds up well when soaked in the custard mixture.

Eggs: These are the base of the custard, providing structure and richness to the dish.

Milk: Used to create the custard, it adds moisture and helps blend the flavors.

Heavy cream: Adds a luxurious richness and creamy texture to the custard.

Sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the flavors and helps create a caramelized top.

Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness.

To enhance the flavor of your baked French toast, consider using a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg in the egg mixture. These spices add warmth and depth, complementing the sweetness of the sugars. Additionally, for a richer texture, allow the bread cubes to soak in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. This ensures that every piece is fully infused with the creamy, sweet flavors.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche has a similar texture and richness, making it an excellent alternative for baked french toast.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and soft, which works well for soaking up the egg mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Use ¼ cup of blended silken tofu per egg. It provides a similar texture and moisture.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that maintains the creamy texture needed for the dish.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a neutral flavor and creamy consistency, making it a good substitute for milk.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream adds richness and a slight coconut flavor, suitable for a dairy-free option.

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk provides a similar creamy texture without the high fat content.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a slight floral note, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness and unique flavor, complementing the french toast.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in equal amounts.

• brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar provides a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel, similar to brown sugar.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but pleasant flavor profile that can enhance the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract provides a sweet, rich flavor that complements the french toast.

• Allow the baked French toast to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the French toast to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

• For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method allows you to grab a single serving whenever the craving strikes.

• When ready to enjoy from frozen, thaw the French toast in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.

• To maintain the delightful texture, avoid reheating in the microwave for too long, as this can make the bread rubbery.

• If you want to add a touch of freshness, sprinkle some cinnamon or powdered sugar over the top before serving.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked French toast in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures that the French toast retains its delightful texture and flavor.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a portion of the French toast on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check to see if it's heated through; if not, continue in 30-second intervals.

• If you prefer a slightly crispier texture, try reheating it on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and the edges are slightly crispy.

• For those with an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method gives a nice crispness to the outside while keeping the inside soft and warm.

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast, ensuring it cooks evenly and achieves a golden brown top.

• Baking dish: Holds the bread cubes and egg mixture, allowing the French toast to bake properly.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, and vanilla extract into a smooth mixture.

• Whisk: Helps in thoroughly mixing the ingredients in the mixing bowl to create a uniform egg mixture.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the milk, heavy cream, and sugars to ensure the right balance of flavors.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract precisely, ensuring the correct amount is added to the mixture.

• Knife: Useful for cutting the loaf of French bread into cubes.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the bread into cubes.

• Spatula: Assists in spreading the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in and out of the hot oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked French toast to cool slightly before serving, preventing it from becoming soggy.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the french bread into cubes and measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugars the night before. This will streamline your morning routine.

Use a large mixing bowl: Whisk the eggs and other liquids in a large bowl to ensure even mixing, reducing the need for extra cleanup.

Soak overnight: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and let it soak overnight in the fridge. This enhances flavor and saves time in the morning.

Preheat efficiently: Start preheating the oven while assembling the dish to minimize waiting time.