Original French Toast Bake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 55 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Original French Toast Bake is your go-to for a comforting and crowd-pleasing breakfast. It's a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for lazy weekends or special occasions. Let’s dive into this sweet, custardy delight with a crisp top!

Ingredients for Original French Toast Bake

Challah bread is the star here, providing a rich, slightly sweet base. Its texture soaks up the custard beautifully. Eggs are essential for the custard, adding richness and structure. Whole milk and heavy cream create a luscious, creamy custard. Granulated sugar and light brown sugar offer sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. Vanilla extract adds that warm, inviting aroma. Cinnamon gives a touch of spice, while a pinch of salt balances the flavors. Finally, unsalted butter dotted on top ensures a golden, crispy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more intense flavor, let the bread soak overnight in the fridge.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar by a quarter.
  • Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra indulgence, serve it with a drizzle of warm maple syrup. A side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage can add a savory contrast that complements the sweetness of the bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, brioche or even a sturdy white bread can work, but challah’s texture and flavor are ideal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I freeze this?
Absolutely! Freeze after baking and cooling. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Original French Toast Bake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, take a moment to grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Tear your loaf of challah bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them out evenly in your prepared dish.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a smooth custard.

Pour this custard mixture over the bread in the baking dish. Make sure every piece of bread gets a good soak — you want them to be well saturated. Cube half a cup of unsalted butter and distribute the cubes evenly across the top.

Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor penetration — it truly makes a difference. Once ready, pop it into your preheated oven, covered, for 30 minutes.

After the initial bake, remove the foil and let it bake for another 25-30 minutes. You're looking for a golden, slightly crisp top. Let it cool for a few minutes before giving it a light dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for making ahead, saving you time on busy mornings.
  • Rich, custardy texture with a crispy, buttery top.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
  • Flexible enough for customization — make it your own!

Ingredients

1 loaf of challah bread, torn into pieces
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
3. Arrange the torn challah bread pieces evenly in the dish.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
6. Dot the top with cubed butter evenly.
7. Cover the dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for best results.
8. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
9. Let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.

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