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French Toast Bake

Updated on 3 min read

Quick Description

This French Toast Bake is rich, buttery, and caramelized on the bottom with soft, custardy bread on top. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast—prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a warm, comforting dish with almost no effort. Ideal for holidays, weekends, or feeding a crowd.

Servings & Timing

  • Serves: 6–8
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: Overnight (or at least 4 hours)
  • Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Total Time: ~1 hour (active + bake)

Ingredients List

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 loaf thickly sliced bread (Texas toast, brioche, or challah)

Custard Mixture

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the Caramel Base

  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Pour melted butter into the dish.
  • Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter.

2. Arrange the Bread

  • Lay bread slices tightly over the butter-sugar mixture.
  • Cut slices if needed to fit snugly.

3. Make the Custard

  • In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. Assemble

  • Pour custard evenly over the bread.
  • Press gently so bread absorbs the mixture.

5. Chill

  • Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).

6. Bake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed and golden.

7. Serve

  • Let rest 5 minutes.
  • Flip slices or scoop portions so caramel bottom is on top.

Nutrition (per serving – approximate)

  • Calories: 360
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 17g

Benefits

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Zero morning stress
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Feeds family easily
  • Beginner-Proof: Simple steps, no skills needed
  • Perfect for Holidays: Great for Christmas mornings 🎄

Additional Notes

  • Use stale bread for best texture
  • For softer center, cover loosely with foil for first 20 minutes
  • For crispier top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely)

Dietary Info

  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use plant milk & vegan butter
  • Not Gluten-Free: Unless using GF bread

Brief Introduction

This French toast bake is one of those recipes that feels special but is secretly effortless. Sweet, warm, and comforting—it’s the kind of breakfast people ask for every year.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

  1. Butter + sugar base
  2. Add bread
  3. Pour custard
  4. Chill overnight
  5. Bake and enjoy

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Bread: Brioche or challah gives the richest result
  • Milk: Half-and-half makes it extra creamy
  • Spices: Pumpkin spice works beautifully

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Add sliced bananas or apples
  • Serve with maple syrup, berries, or powdered sugar

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Leftovers up to 3 days
  • Freeze: Fully baked portions up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Oven or microwave

FAQs

Can I bake it right away?
Yes, but overnight soaking gives best flavor and texture.

Why is the bottom sticky?
That’s the caramel layer—it’s supposed to be!

Optional Personal Story

This is my go-to holiday breakfast. I prep it the night before, wake up, turn on the oven, and the house smells amazing before anyone even gets out of bed.

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