Oven-Baked French Toast

Introduction:

Oven-Baked French Toast is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic breakfast favorite without the need for standing at the stovetop flipping slices. This method allows the bread to soak up a delicious egg mixture overnight, resulting in a soft, custard-like interior with a slightly crispy top. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings or a leisurely weekend breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the pan)

Optional Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Arrange the slices of bread in the dish, overlapping slightly to cover the entire bottom.
2. Make the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined.
3. Soak the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down to ensure it absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
4. Bake the French toast: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
5. Serve: Allow the baked French toast to cool slightly, then slice and serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Conclusion:

This Oven-Baked French Toast is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic breakfast dish with minimal hands-on cooking. It’s perfect for serving a crowd and can be customized with a variety of toppings. The overnight preparation makes it even more convenient, allowing you to relax and enjoy a stress-free breakfast the next morning.