Baked

French Toast Bake

Name: French Toast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf (24 oz) Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 6 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup diced apples, optional; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optional

By Amara Ironside · June 19, 2026 · Baked

Prep20 min

Cook35 min

Total55 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I made a French toast bake for my family. It was a lazy Sunday morning, and I wanted to create something special for breakfast. I had all the ingredients on hand, and with a few simple steps, I was able to create a dish that would become a staple in our household.

The beauty of a French toast bake is that it's perfect for both slow mornings and quick weekday breakfasts. You can prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning, or whip it up in no time for a quick breakfast on-the-go.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of crispy bread, creamy eggs, and sweet syrup. It's a match made in heaven, and it's sure to become a favorite in your household as well. Whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick breakfast solution or a weekend warrior seeking a delicious brunch option, this French toast bake is the perfect choice.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to create a delicious French toast bake from scratch. From the ingredients to the cooking technique, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time.

So, let's get started and make a French toast bake that will impress your family and friends. With its golden brown crust and fluffy interior, this dish is sure to become a breakfast favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French toast bake recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for slow mornings and quick weekday breakfasts.
The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices.
It's a great option for brunch or breakfast gatherings, as it can be made in large quantities.
The recipe is budget-friendly and uses common ingredients.
It's a delicious and satisfying breakfast option that will keep you full until lunchtime.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a successful French toast bake is the balance of flavors and textures. The combination of eggs, milk, and sugar creates a rich and creamy custard, while the bread provides a crispy crust. The syrup adds a sweet and sticky element, balancing out the savory flavors of the eggs and bread.

The cooking technique is also crucial in this recipe. By baking the French toast in the oven, we can achieve a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. The even heat of the oven ensures that the dish is cooked consistently, without any burnt or undercooked spots.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the resting time. Allowing the bread to soak in the egg mixture for a few minutes helps to create a tender and moist interior. This step is essential in achieving the perfect texture and flavor in the finished dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this French toast bake, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including bread, eggs, milk, and sugar. The quality of the ingredients is important, as it will affect the flavor and texture of the finished dish. Look for a good quality bread that's a day or two old, as it will be easier to slice and will hold up better to the egg mixture.

In addition to the basic ingredients, you can also add your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices to the dish. Some options include diced apples, chopped walnuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and preferences.

1 loaf (24 oz) Challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubesChallah bread is a great choice for this recipe because of its dense and eggy texture, which holds up well to the egg mixture. You can also use other types of bread, such as brioche or baguette, but Challah is the most traditional choice.
6 large eggsThe eggs provide moisture and richness to the dish, and are essential for creating a creamy custard. Make sure to use large eggs, as they will provide the best flavor and texture.
1 1/2 cups whole milkThe milk adds creaminess and tenderness to the bread, and helps to create a smooth and velvety texture. You can also use other types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, but whole milk is the most traditional choice.
1/2 cup granulated sugarThe sugar adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, and helps to balance out the savory flavors of the eggs and bread. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but 1/2 cup is a good starting point.
1/4 cup pure maple syrupThe maple syrup adds a rich and complex flavor to the dish, and provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugar. Make sure to use pure maple syrup, as it has a more delicate flavor than imitation syrups.
1/2 teaspoon kosher saltThe salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, and helps to bring out the sweetness of the sugar and maple syrup. Use kosher salt, as it has a coarser texture than table salt and will provide a better flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonThe cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor to the dish, and provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and maple syrup. You can adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste, but 1/2 teaspoon is a good starting point.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmegThe nutmeg adds a subtle and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, and helps to balance out the other spices. Use freshly grated nutmeg, as it has a more delicate flavor than pre-ground nutmeg.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, meltedThe melted butter adds a rich and creamy flavor to the dish, and helps to create a crispy and golden brown crust. Make sure to use unsalted butter, as it has a more delicate flavor than salted butter.
1 cup diced apples, optionalThe diced apples add a nice texture and flavor to the dish, and provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the sugar and maple syrup. You can use other types of fruit, such as berries or bananas, but apples are a classic choice.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, optionalThe chopped walnuts add a nice crunch and flavor to the dish, and provide a delicious contrast to the softness of the bread. You can use other types of nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, but walnuts are a classic choice.

Equipment You’ll Need

9x13-inch baking dishLarge bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerRubber spatula

How to Make French Toast Bake

1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Make sure to use the middle rack, as this will help the French toast bake cook evenly.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps or streaks.
3
Add the melted butter to the egg mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with no streaks or lumps.
4
Add the diced apples and chopped walnuts to the egg mixture, if using. Fold them in gently, making sure not to overmix the batter.
5
Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture and toss until they are evenly coated. Make sure to get all the bread cubes, as this will help the French toast bake cook evenly.
6
Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture and create a tender and moist interior.
7
Bake the French toast bake for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The French toast bake should be puffed and set, with no jiggly or undercooked spots.
8
Remove the French toast bake from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This will help the French toast bake set and make it easier to slice.
9
Slice the French toast bake into individual servings and serve warm. You can top it with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
10
If you want to make the French toast bake ahead of time, you can prepare the egg mixture and bread cubes the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Simply assemble the French toast bake in the morning and bake it as directed.
11
To freeze the French toast bake, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm and serve.
12
To reheat the French toast bake, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it is warm and toasted. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can make it dry and tough.

Expert Tips

Use a good quality bread that's a day or two old, as it will be easier to slice and will hold up better to the egg mixture.
Don't overmix the batter, as this can make the French toast bake tough and dense.
Let the French toast bake sit for 10-15 minutes before baking, as this will allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture and create a tender and moist interior.
Use a thermometer to ensure that the French toast bake is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Don't overcrowd the baking dish, as this can make the French toast bake cook unevenly. If necessary, use multiple baking dishes to ensure that the French toast bake has enough room to cook evenly.
Let the French toast bake cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing, as this will help it set and make it easier to slice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using too much egg mixture, which can make the French toast bake soggy and wet.
Not letting the French toast bake sit for 10-15 minutes before baking, which can make it tough and dense.
Overmixing the batter, which can make the French toast bake tough and dense.
Not using a thermometer to ensure that the French toast bake is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Overcrowding the baking dish, which can make the French toast bake cook unevenly.
Not letting the French toast bake cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing, which can make it difficult to slice and serve.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced apples or berries to the egg mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of bread, such as brioche or baguette, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the French toast bake before baking for added flavor.
Use maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor.
Add chopped nuts or seeds to the egg mixture for added texture and flavor.
Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option.

What to Serve With French Toast Bake

The French toast bake is perfect for serving with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. You can also serve it with a side of bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Some other options for serving the French toast bake include:

- A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon

- A slice of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or bananas

- A drizzle of maple syrup or honey

- A side of yogurt or oatmeal for a healthier option

Maple syrupWhipped creamFresh fruitBacon or sausageYogurt or oatmeal

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The French toast bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. To freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat the French toast bake, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it is warm and toasted. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can make it dry and tough.

Some tips for storing and reheating the French toast bake include:

- Let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer.

- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

- Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm and toasted.

- Don't overheat it, as this can make it dry and tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of bread is best for French toast bake?

A good quality bread that's a day or two old is best for French toast bake, as it will be easier to slice and will hold up better to the egg mixture. Challah bread is a great choice, but you can also use other types of bread, such as brioche or baguette.

Can I make French toast bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make French toast bake ahead of time. Simply prepare the egg mixture and bread cubes the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the French toast bake in the morning and bake it as directed.

How do I store French toast bake?

How do I reheat French toast bake?

Can I customize French toast bake with different toppings?

Yes, you can customize French toast bake with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit. You can also add diced apples or berries to the egg mixture for added flavor and texture.

Is French toast bake a good option for a crowd?

Yes, French toast bake is a great option for a crowd. It's easy to make in large quantities and can be served with a variety of toppings. It's also a great option for brunch or breakfast gatherings, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated as needed.

Can I make French toast bake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make French toast bake gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and being mindful of cross-contamination. Simply substitute the bread with a gluten-free option and be sure to check the ingredients of the other components to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I make French toast bake dairy-free?

Yes, you can make French toast bake dairy-free by using dairy-free milk and being mindful of cross-contamination. Simply substitute the milk with a dairy-free option, such as almond or coconut milk, and be sure to check the ingredients of the other components to ensure they are dairy-free.

The Full Recipe

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