Brunch Baked French Toast Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread, cut into cubes, provides the base for this dish.

Eggs: Large eggs are used to create the custard mixture that soaks into the bread.

Milk: Milk adds richness and helps to create the custard texture.

Sugar: Sugar sweetens the dish and balances the flavors.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor.

Ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides a hint of spice and warmth.

Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor.

To ensure your French bread absorbs the egg mixture evenly, give the bread cubes a gentle press with a spatula after pouring the mixture. This helps the bread soak up all the flavors and prevents dry spots.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it an excellent choice for a more indulgent French toast.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a similar texture to French bread, perfect for soaking up the custard mixture.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in the custard mixture, providing a slightly nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor, making the dish more exotic.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a distinct flavor that complements the French toast.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly floral note, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but equally delightful flavor, adding a nutty undertone to the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract gives a unique twist with its rich, sweet flavor, perfect for a brunch dish.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, adding a warm, spiced flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Allow the Brunch Baked French Toast to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled French Toast to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the French Toast in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious breakfast.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the French Toast. Cut it into individual servings and wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to grab and reheat just the amount you need.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. Frozen French Toast can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French Toast on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, checking and flipping halfway through.
• For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup before reheating. This can help revive the flavors and make your French Toast taste freshly baked.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked French toast in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the French toast on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the French toast slices in the skillet.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove and let it cool slightly before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the French toast to a golden brown and set the center.

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

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

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the egg mixture ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and sugar accurately.

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

• Knife: Used to cut the French bread into cubes.

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

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes.

• Cooking spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the french bread into cubes and mix the egg mixture the night before. Store them separately in the fridge.

Use a larger baking dish: A larger dish will spread out the bread cubes more evenly, reducing baking time.

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

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easier cleanup.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick brunch option later.