french toast in the oven recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best french toast in the oven recipe

I have been making French toast for my family for years, but I used to dread standing at the stove flipping slice after slice while everyone waited. That is why I love this French toast in the oven recipe. It lets me cook a whole batch at once, so I can sit down and enjoy breakfast with my kids instead of being stuck at the skillet.

My children love the soft, custardy center and the slightly crispy edges, and I love that it is so simple to put together. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or when you have guests over for brunch. You can easily double it to feed a crowd, and it bakes up beautifully golden in the oven.

The key is using thick slices of bread like brioche or challah, which soak up the egg mixture without falling apart. I also like to add a pinch of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla for extra warmth and flavor. One of the best things about this oven method is that it is more hands off than stovetop cooking.

You just whisk the eggs, milk, and seasonings together, dip the bread slices, arrange them on a baking sheet, and let the oven do the work. The result is consistently perfect French toast every time, with no burnt edges or soggy middles. Plus, it gives you time to make coffee or set the table while it bakes.

Health wise, this recipe is easy to adjust. I often use whole wheat bread and low fat milk to cut down on calories without losing any taste. You can also reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute.

My family does not even notice the swaps because the flavor is still rich and satisfying. Whether it is a holiday morning or a regular Saturday, this baked French toast has become our go to breakfast.

Oven Baked French Toast

Oven Baked French Toast

4.6 from 812 votes

This oven baked French toast is a simple, hands off way to make a big batch for your family or guests. The bread comes out soft and custard like inside with a lightly crispy top, all from baking in the oven.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the French Toast

1 loaf (about 12 slices) thick cut brioche or challah bread
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Serving (optional)

Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the melted butter, making sure the bottom and sides are coated evenly.
3In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
4Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, about 30 seconds.
5Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
6You may need to overlap them slightly to fit all the slices.
7Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure each slice is well coated.
8Let it sit for 5 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid.
9Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
10To check, insert a knife into the middle; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
11Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 2 minutes.
12Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 210mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

Tips: For best results, use day old bread that is slightly stale, as it soaks up the custard without getting mushy. You can also prepare this the night before: assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.

Watch Video Of How Oven Baked French Toast Works

This oven baked French toast has become a staple in my home because it is so easy to make and always turns out perfectly. I love that I can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning, which saves me so much time.

For storage, let any leftovers cool completely, then cover the dish with foil or transfer the slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warm and slightly crisp on the edges.

You can also reheat individual slices in a toaster oven for a quick breakfast. This recipe works beautifully for holiday brunches, lazy weekends, or even a special weekday breakfast.

It is a crowd pleaser that my whole family looks forward to, and I think yours will too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked French Toast

1. Can I use regular sandwich bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use regular sandwich bread, but the texture will be softer and less sturdy. Thicker bread like brioche or challah holds up better because it absorbs the custard without falling apart. If you use thin bread, reduce the soaking time to just a few seconds per slice.

2. How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, use day old or slightly stale bread that is dense and dry. Also, do not soak the bread for too long; a quick dip is enough. Baking at a high enough temperature, like 375°F, helps the custard set quickly and prevents a wet center.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Absolutely. Substitute the whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use a plant based butter or oil to grease the dish. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still works well and tastes delicious.

4. How do I reheat leftover baked French toast?

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a toaster oven for a crispier texture. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread rubbery and soggy.

5. Can I add toppings like nuts or fruit before baking?

Yes, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, over the top before baking for added crunch. Fresh fruit like blueberries or sliced bananas can also be added, but place them on top so they do not sink into the custard and make it watery.

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