Baked French Toast

Embark on a breakfast journey that combines the timeless appeal of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead dish. The Baked French Toast is a celebration of fluffy bread soaked in a rich custard, baked to golden perfection. This delectable treat not only makes mornings special but also allows you to spend less time at the stove and more time enjoying your morning. Join us as we unravel the secrets to crafting the perfect Baked French Toast that will elevate your breakfast game.

Ingredients:

For the French Toast Base:

• 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For Serving:

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the French Toast Base:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Arrange the French bread slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping.
2. Whisk the Custard Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour Custard Over Bread:
   • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, ensuring each piece is soaked in the delicious mixture.
4. Chill and Soak:
   • Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard, resulting in a creamy and flavorful French toast.
5. Preheat and Prepare Streusel Topping:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping.
   • Add cold butter pieces and use your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly texture.
6. Sprinkle Streusel Over French Toast:
   • Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the French toast is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve and Garnish:
   • Let the baked French toast cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Cook Notes:

• Bread Selection: Opt for a French bread with a firm crust and soft interior. Day-old bread works well for better custard absorption.
• Custard Soaking Time: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard mixture for an extended period enhances the flavor and texture of the French toast.
• Streusel Texture: Ensure the streusel topping has a crumbly texture for a delightful crunch after baking.
• Serving Tip: Serve the baked French toast warm with additional toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a dollop of yogurt.

Variations:

Caramel Apple Delight:

• Add thinly sliced apples and drizzle caramel sauce over the custard-soaked bread for a delightful caramel apple twist.

Nutty Banana Bliss:

• Layer sliced bananas and chopped nuts between the bread slices for a nutty and fruity variation.

Cinnamon Roll Inspired:

• Swirl cinnamon sugar between the bread slices before soaking in the custard for a cinnamon roll-inspired French toast.

Keto Version:

• Substitute French bread with a keto-friendly bread alternative made from almond or coconut flour.
• Use unsweetened almond or coconut milk in place of whole milk and heavy cream.
• Replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for a keto diet.

Low-Carb Version:

• Opt for a low-carb bread alternative or use almond flour bread for the base.
• Choose a low-carb milk substitute in the custard mixture.
• Sweeten the custard with a low-carb sweetener to reduce the overall carb content.

The Baked French Toast is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a morning ritual that turns ordinary days into extraordinary moments. Whether enjoyed with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or adorned with an array of toppings, this French toast variation is a testament to the beauty of comfort food. So, savor each bite, relish the warm and custardy interior, and make your mornings a celebration with this delectable Baked French Toast.