French Toast Bake (Printer-friendly)

A warm baked custard featuring day-old bread, cinnamon, and vanilla flavors for a cozy start.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Custard

02 - 6 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Topping

09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
10 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Directions:

01 - Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
03 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
04 - In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the bread and custard.
05 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for optimal soaking and flavor.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
07 - Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
08 - Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with optional maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings
  • Perfect way to use up leftover bread
02 -
  • This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten(wheat).
  • Use dairy alternatives and gluten-free bread for dietary needs.
03 -
  • Use day-old bread for best texture and to avoid sogginess.
  • For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping before baking.
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