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Oven-Baked French Toast Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 70 reviews

This Oven-Baked French Toast is a delightful breakfast dish featuring thick slices of day-old Challah or Brioche bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, vanilla, and warming spices, then baked to golden perfection with a caramelized buttery sugar topping. It’s a perfect make-ahead recipe that offers a crisp crust and a custardy center, served best with pure maple syrup and fresh seasonal berries.

Ingredients

Scale

The Bread

  • 8 slices day-old thick-cut Challah or Brioche bread

The Custard

  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

The Topping

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For Serving

  • Pure maple syrup, as desired
  • Fresh seasonal berries, as desired

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Butter a large baking dish generously, ensuring the bottom and sides are well coated to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange the bread: Place the slices of bread snugly in a single layer inside the buttered dish, fitting them closely without overlapping.
  3. Make the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, making sure all pieces are soaked thoroughly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor and better texture.
  5. Preheat the oven and add topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Before baking, sprinkle the top of the soaked bread with granulated sugar, then scatter the small butter pieces evenly over the sugar layer.
  6. Bake the French toast: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp, and the custard is set in the center (a knife inserted should come out clean).
  7. Serve: Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with pure maple syrup and garnish with fresh seasonal berries to enjoy warm.

Notes

  • Using day-old bread is essential to prevent sogginess and allows better absorption of the custard.
  • Overnight soaking enhances flavor and custard penetration resulting in a richer dish.
  • Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg according to your spice preference.
  • For a dairy-free variation, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative.
  • Ensure even butter distribution on top for a perfectly caramelized crust.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: oven-baked french toast, baked french toast, brunch recipes, challah french toast, brioche french toast, custard soaked bread

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/oven-baked-french-toast-recipe/