French Toast Bake – RECIPE 4U

Here’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe for French Toast Bake — perfect for breakfast or brunch! 🍞🥚🍓

For the base:

1 loaf of day-old bread (about 8–10 slices; brioche, challah, or French bread works best)
6 large eggs
2 cups milk (whole, 2%, or almond milk)
½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt

Optional toppings (before baking):

Optional toppings (after baking):

Preheat oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the bread:
Cut bread into cubes (about 1–2 inches). Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Mix custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Combine bread and custard:
Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing lightly so all pieces soak up the mixture.
Let sit 10–15 minutes (or cover and refrigerate overnight for a make-ahead version).
Add optional topping:
If using, combine brown sugar, nutmeg, and chopped nuts. Sprinkle over the soaked bread, then drizzle with melted butter.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Overnight version: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking — the bread absorbs more custard for extra richness.
Add-ins: Chocolate chips, cooked bacon, or sliced bananas work beautifully.
Dairy-free option: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and skip heavy cream.

If you want, I can also give you a caramel apple French toast bake version, which is extra indulgent and perfect for fall.

Do you want me to do that?