Elevate Your Breakfast with French Toast Bake

Prepare to indulge in a breakfast delight that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul – French Toast Bake! This delectable dish takes the classic flavors of French toast and transforms them into a mouthwatering bake that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its golden crust, fluffy interior, and irresistible aroma, French Toast Bake is sure to become a favorite morning treat in your household. So, let’s embark on a culinary adventure and discover the simple yet sensational pleasures of this delightful recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 French baguette, cut into 18 (1-inch-thick) slices
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Maple syrup for serving
• Fresh berries for serving

Instructions

Preparing the Pan and Bread:

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the room temperature unsalted butter.
2. Arrange the sliced French baguette in the greased baking dish in a single layer, slightly overlapping each slice.

Mixing the Custard:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Pouring the Custard:

1. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the sliced French baguette in the baking dish, ensuring that each slice is thoroughly coated.
2. Gently press down on the bread slices to help them absorb the custard.

Resting and Chilling:

1. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if preparing ahead.

Baking the French Toast:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake the French Toast Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Serving:

1. Serve the warm French Toast Bake with maple syrup and fresh berries on the side.
2. Enjoy the delicious flavors and comforting textures of this delightful breakfast treat!

Cook Notes and Variations

• Add Nutella: For an extra indulgent twist, spread a layer of Nutella between the slices of French baguette before pouring the custard mixture over them.
• Stuffed French Toast: Create a stuffed French Toast Bake by layering sliced bananas or berries between the bread slices before pouring the custard mixture over them.
• Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle chopped nuts or seeds such as almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds over the top of the French Toast Bake before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

• Almond Flour Bread: Use almond flour bread or low-carb bread in place of the French baguette to reduce the carb content.
• Sugar Substitute: Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia to keep the dish keto-friendly.
• Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: Opt for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream and whole milk to lower the fat content.

Low-Carb Version:

• Coconut Flour Bread: Substitute coconut flour bread for the French baguette to decrease the carb content even further.
• Low-Carb Sweetener: Use a low-carb sweetener such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar to reduce the carb count.
• Dairy-Free Option: Make the custard mixture with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream and whole milk for a dairy-free and low-carb version.

In conclusion, French Toast Bake is a delightful and satisfying breakfast option that combines the timeless flavors of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead bake. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch with loved ones or looking for a comforting breakfast to start your day, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. With its simple preparation, customizable toppings, and irresistible taste, French Toast Bake is a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the warm, comforting flavors of French Toast Bake!

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Make It Ahead: Prepare the French Toast Bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply pop it in the oven the next morning for a hassle-free breakfast option.
• Customize Toppings: Serve the French Toast Bake with a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a fun and customizable breakfast experience.
• Freezing Instructions: Slice the cooled French Toast Bake into individual servings and freeze them in airtight containers for a convenient grab-and-go breakfast option. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Experiment with Flavors: Get creative with flavor combinations by adding ingredients such as lemon zest, orange extract, or almond extract to the custard mixture for a unique twist on this classic breakfast dish.

With these tips and tricks, you’re well-equipped to enjoy the deliciousness of French Toast Bake and create unforgettable breakfast memories with your loved ones. So, embrace the warmth and comfort of this delightful dish, and savor every delicious bite!