French Toast Bake

Indulge in the comforting goodness of French Toast Bake, a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. This easy-to-make casserole combines thick slices of bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla, all nestled in a buttery, caramelized base.

Perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings, this dish can be prepared the night before, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, alongside a drizzle of maple syrup for a truly satisfying morning treat!

French Toast Bake

Ingredients

1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick)

1 cup brown sugar

1 loaf of thickly sliced bread

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions

Combine Butter and Sugar:

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, mix in the brown sugar until well combined.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Pour the butter and sugar mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and spread it evenly.

Whisk the Egg Mixture:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully blended.

Layer the Bread:

Arrange a single layer of sliced bread in the baking pan over the butter mixture.

Add Half the Egg Mixture:

Pour half of the egg mixture over the bread layer, ensuring it covers the slices.

Sprinkle Cinnamon:

Dust some cinnamon over the bread and egg layer for extra flavor.

Repeat with More Bread:

Place a second layer of bread on top, followed by the remaining egg mixture.

Refrigerate Overnight:

Cover the pan and chill in the refrigerator overnight to let the bread absorb the mixture.

Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45 minutes, covering it for the first 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Finish and Serve:

Once baked, sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon on top. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Enjoy your delightful French toast bake!

Notes:

Bread Choices:

Thick-cut bread, such as brioche, challah, or Texas toast, works best for this recipe, as it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart.

Make Ahead:

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the flavors fully.

Toppings:

Feel free to customize your toppings! Consider adding fresh fruit like berries or banana slices, nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Baking Time:

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Oven temperatures may vary. Keep an eye on the casserole, and if the top is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the last part of the baking.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with warm maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a warm oven.

Gluten-Free Option:

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of bread?

Yes, you can use various types of bread such as brioche, challah, or even whole grain bread.

Just make sure it’s thickly sliced to ensure it holds up well in the custard mixture.

How do I prevent the top from getting too brown while baking?

If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

This will help prevent over-browning while still allowing the casserole to cook through.

Is it necessary to chill the casserole overnight?

While it’s not strictly necessary, chilling the casserole overnight allows the bread to absorb more of the egg mixture, resulting in a richer flavor and creamier texture.

If you’re short on time, you can let it sit for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives.

Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a dairy-free butter substitute to make the recipe dairy-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a warm oven before serving.

You can also freeze the baked casserole for longer storage; just be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use frozen bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen bread! Just let it thaw before assembling the casserole.

If it’s slightly stale, that can actually work in your favor, as stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better.

What can I add to the egg mixture for extra flavor?

You can add spices such as nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth, or incorporate a splash of orange or almond extract for a different flavor profile.

Additionally, a tablespoon of brown sugar can enhance the sweetness.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles.

You can also insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

The top should be golden brown.

Can I make individual servings instead of a large casserole?

Absolutely! You can use ramekins or muffin tins to create individual servings.

Just adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness.

What toppings can I use besides powdered sugar and maple syrup?

You can top your French Toast Bake with fresh fruits like berries or bananas, whipped cream, yogurt, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent treat.

Nuts or granola can add a nice crunch, too!