Baked French Toast Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread cut into 1-inch slices, perfect for soaking up the custard mixture.

Eggs: Essential for creating the custard base that binds the dish together.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps to create a smooth custard.

Heavy cream: Provides a rich, luxurious texture to the custard.

Sugar: Sweetens the dish and balances the flavors.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the custard.

Ground cinnamon: Infuses the dish with a hint of spice and warmth.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

When preparing baked French toast, ensure that the bread slices are slightly stale or toasted. This helps them absorb the custard mixture more effectively, resulting in a richer and more flavorful dish. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a handful of chopped nuts to the egg mixture before pouring it over the bread.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, providing a similar texture and flavor profile to french bread.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and soft, making it an excellent alternative for a rich and tender baked french toast.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good 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 works well in baked dishes.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy consistency similar to cow's milk, making it a good substitute.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich and creamy texture, suitable for dairy-free diets.

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is less rich but still provides a creamy texture.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can replace sugar, though it will add a distinct flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can give a unique twist to the flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding a complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor similar to cinnamon.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar taste but may require slight adjustments in quantity due to its coarser texture.

• Allow the baked French toast to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• For short-term storage, transfer the French toast to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Cut the French toast into individual portions for easy reheating.
• Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality.
• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the French toast from the freezer and unwrap. Place on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can thaw the French toast overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described above.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baked French toast on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the custard texture and ensures even heating.

• Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place a slice of French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to avoid overcooking.

• Reheat on the stovetop for a slightly crispy texture. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Place the French toast slices in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking dish: Holds the bread slices and egg mixture while baking.

• Butter or non-stick spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Whisk: Helps to thoroughly combine the ingredients in the mixing bowl.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Knife: Used to cut the loaf of French bread into 1-inch slices.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut the bread.

• Refrigerator: Used to store the dish overnight if you choose to let the bread soak longer.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when removing the hot baking dish from the oven.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt the night before.

Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by buying pre-sliced french bread instead of slicing it yourself.

Soak overnight: Let the bread slices soak in the egg mixture overnight in the refrigerator for better flavor and convenience.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.

Use non-stick spray: Quickly grease the baking dish with non-stick spray instead of butter.