Baked

Baked French Toast

Name: Baked French Toast
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 loaf Challah or brioche bread (12-14 slices); 1/2 cup chopped fresh fruit (such as strawberries or blueberries); 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

By Noelle Tremaine · June 19, 2026 · Baked

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I made Baked French Toast for my family. It was a Sunday morning, and we were all looking for a special treat to start the day. I had heard of this magical dish that was like a cross between French toast and a bread pudding, but I had never attempted to make it before.

As I began to prepare the ingredients, I realized that this recipe was going to be a game-changer. The combination of eggs, milk, and cinnamon was like a warm hug in a bowl. And when I poured the mixture over the bread and put it in the oven, the aroma that filled the kitchen was incredible.

When the Baked French Toast came out of the oven, it was golden brown and puffed up like a dream. We all gathered around the table, and the first bite was like a symphony of flavors and textures. The bread was soft and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy exterior that added a nice crunch. The eggs and milk had created a rich and creamy sauce that coated every bite.

From that day on, Baked French Toast became a staple in our household. We made it for special occasions, like birthdays and holidays, but also for regular Sunday mornings. It was a dish that brought us all together, and it quickly became a family favorite.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make Baked French Toast from scratch, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make and requires minimal effort
Perfect for slow mornings and quick weekday breakfasts
Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use
Customizable with your favorite toppings and fillings
A crowd-pleasing dish that's sure to become a family favorite
A great way to use up stale bread and reduce food waste

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes Baked French Toast so special? For one, it's the combination of eggs, milk, and cinnamon that creates a rich and creamy sauce. This sauce is the key to the dish, as it adds moisture and flavor to the bread. By using a mixture of eggs and milk, we're creating a custard-like texture that's both creamy and light.

Another important factor is the type of bread used. Challah or brioche work well because they have a dense and eggy texture that can hold up to the egg mixture. When you pour the mixture over the bread, it creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust on top, while the inside remains soft and fluffy.

Finally, the baking process is what sets Baked French Toast apart from regular French toast. By baking the bread in the oven, we're able to cook it evenly and create a crispy exterior that adds texture and flavor. This is especially important for a dish like Baked French Toast, where the bread is the star of the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Baked French Toast, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including eggs, milk, cinnamon, and bread. The key is to use high-quality ingredients that will add flavor and texture to the dish. Look for Challah or brioche bread, which have a dense and eggy texture that works well with the egg mixture.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and organic options whenever possible. This will ensure that your Baked French Toast is not only delicious but also healthy and sustainable.

4 large eggsFresh eggs are essential for this recipe, as they provide moisture and richness to the dish. Look for eggs that are labeled as 'large' or 'extra-large' for the best results.
1 1/2 cups milkWhole milk works best for this recipe, as it adds a richness and creaminess to the egg mixture. You can also use a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond or soy milk, for a dairy-free option.
1/2 cup granulated sugarGranulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors of the eggs and bread. You can also use brown sugar or honey for a slightly different flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonCinnamon is a key spice in this recipe, adding a warm and comforting flavor to the dish. Look for high-quality cinnamon that is fresh and fragrant.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmegNutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish, complementing the cinnamon and other spices. Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor.
1/4 teaspoon saltA pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, bringing out the sweetness of the sugar and the savory flavors of the eggs and bread.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter adds a richness and moisture to the dish, helping to create a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor.
1 loaf Challah or brioche bread (12-14 slices)Challah or brioche bread is essential for this recipe, as it provides a dense and eggy texture that can hold up to the egg mixture. Look for a high-quality bread that is fresh and fragrant.
1/2 cup chopped fresh fruit (such as strawberries or blueberries)Fresh fruit adds a burst of flavor and color to the dish, providing a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich egg mixture. Choose your favorite fruits and chop them into small pieces.
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)Chopped nuts add a crunchy texture and a rich flavor to the dish, providing a nice contrast to the soft bread and egg mixture. Use your favorite nuts and chop them into small pieces.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large mixing bowlWhisk9x13-inch baking dishInstant-read thermometerCutting boardKnife

How to Make Baked French Toast

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3
Add the melted butter to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth.
4
Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
5
Pour the egg mixture over the bread, making sure that each slice is coated.
6
Sprinkle the chopped fruit and nuts (if using) over the top of the bread.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the interior is set.
9
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
10
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the French toast. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
11
Serve the Baked French Toast warm, topped with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh eggs and real butter, for the best flavor.
Don't overmix the egg mixture, as this can create a tough and dense French toast.
Let the French toast rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help it to set and become easier to slice.
Experiment with different types of bread, such as Challah or brioche, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add your favorite fillings, such as chocolate chips or diced fruit, to the egg mixture for added flavor and excitement.
Make the French toast ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
Use a water bath to cook the French toast, as this will help to create a creamy and smooth texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland and unappetizing French toast.
Overmixing the egg mixture, which can create a tough and dense French toast.
Not letting the French toast rest before serving, which can make it difficult to slice and serve.
Not using the right type of bread, which can result in a French toast that is too dense or too dry.
Not cooking the French toast to the correct internal temperature, which can result in a French toast that is undercooked or overcooked.
Not experimenting with different toppings and fillings, which can make the French toast seem boring and uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add different types of fruit, such as bananas or berries, to the egg mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the top of the French toast before baking for added flavor and aroma.
Use a different type of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a dairy-free option.
Add a splash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture for added flavor and aroma.
Use a different type of bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add a layer of cream cheese or peanut butter to the French toast for added richness and flavor.

What to Serve With Baked French Toast

Baked French Toast is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or with a side of fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup.

You can also serve the French toast with a variety of toppings, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or candy pieces. The possibilities are endless, and the dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Maple syrupWhipped creamFresh fruitNutsChocolate chipsCandy pieces

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Baked French Toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator.

To freeze, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the French toast overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Reheating the French toast is easy. Simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until it's warm and toasted. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until it's warm and fluffy.

When reheating the French toast, be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure that it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bread is best for Baked French Toast?

Challah or brioche bread works best for Baked French Toast, as it provides a dense and eggy texture that can hold up to the egg mixture.

Can I make Baked French Toast ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Baked French Toast ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave when you're ready to serve.

What is the internal temperature of Baked French Toast?

The internal temperature of Baked French Toast should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Can I use different types of milk for Baked French Toast?

Yes, you can use different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a dairy-free option.

How do I store Baked French Toast?

Baked French Toast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Can I reheat Baked French Toast in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat Baked French Toast in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until it's warm and fluffy.

What are some variations of Baked French Toast?

Some variations of Baked French Toast include adding different types of fruit, nuts, or spices to the egg mixture, or using different types of bread or milk.

Can I make Baked French Toast in a water bath?

Yes, you can make Baked French Toast in a water bath, which will help to create a creamy and smooth texture.

The Full Recipe

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