Introduction
French toast is a breakfast favorite in many households, but traditional stovetop French toast can get messy and time-consuming, especially when you are cooking for a group. If you have ever stood in front of the stove flipping slice after slice while everyone else is already enjoying breakfast, then you know what I mean. That’s where oven-baked French toast comes in to save the day.
This recipe is all about making breakfast easier without sacrificing flavor or texture. Baking French toast in the oven gives you the same golden edges and soft, custardy center, but with way less effort. You can prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. This makes it perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or lazy weekends with the family.
Another great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you love your French toast sweet and loaded with fruit or prefer a more classic flavor, this base recipe gives you a lot of room to play. You do not need to be an expert cook to get it right. The ingredients are simple and probably already in your kitchen. Plus, you can easily double the recipe if you are feeding a larger crowd.
If you are looking for a cozy, comforting, and delicious breakfast that will impress without stress, then this oven French toast is the answer. Let’s get started with the ingredients.
Ingredients Needed
Here is everything you need to make this oven French toast. The key is to use thick slices of bread like brioche or challah because they soak up the custard without falling apart. This recipe serves six people generously.
| Ingredient | Amount | Calories (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Brioche or challah bread | 12 slices | 150 per slice |
| Eggs | 6 large | 70 per egg |
| Whole milk | 2 cups | 150 per cup |
| Heavy cream (optional) | 1/2 cup | 100 |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | 200 total |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon | 35 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | 0 |
| Butter (for greasing) | 2 tablespoons | 100 per tablespoon |
| Maple syrup (for serving) | As needed | 100 per tablespoon |
| Powdered sugar (optional) | For garnish | 20 per dusting |
You can skip the heavy cream and just use milk if you want to make it a little lighter. You can also use non-dairy milk if needed. Make sure to use a good quality bread that is slightly stale. Fresh bread can get soggy quickly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with butter. This will help keep the French toast from sticking and also adds extra flavor.
Next, slice your bread if it is not already cut. You want thick slices, about one inch thick. Arrange the slices in the baking dish. You can lay them flat or stand them slightly upright if you want them to look more decorative. Either way, make sure the pieces are evenly spread out.
Now it is time to make the custard. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure everything is fully combined and the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to gently press the bread down so it soaks up the liquid. Let the dish sit for about 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. If you are prepping the night before, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and put it in the fridge.
Once you are ready to bake, place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy, while the center remains soft and custardy. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best parts about this oven French toast recipe is how flexible it is. You can change it up based on what you have at home or your personal taste.
If you want to make it dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk and skip the cream. You can also use coconut cream if you still want a rich texture without the dairy.
For added flavor, try mixing in sliced bananas, blueberries, or strawberries before baking. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch.
If you like things a little spicier, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the custard. It adds a warm and cozy twist, especially in the fall.
To make it extra indulgent, spread a thin layer of cream cheese or Nutella between slices of bread before adding the custard. This creates a stuffed French toast effect that feels extra special.
You can even turn this into a savory breakfast by skipping the sugar and vanilla and adding shredded cheese, sautéed veggies, or cooked bacon. The possibilities are endless.
Nutritional Information
Here is a general overview of the nutritional breakdown for one serving of oven French toast, based on the ingredients listed above.
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 to 600 |
| Protein | 12 to 15 grams |
| Fat | 25 to 30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 50 to 60 grams |
| Fiber | 2 to 4 grams |
| Sugar | 15 to 20 grams |
| Sodium | 350 to 450 milligrams |
Keep in mind that toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or powdered sugar will increase the calorie count. You can make it lighter by using low-fat milk and skipping the cream and sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This oven French toast is great on its own, but you can take it to the next level with the right toppings and sides. For a classic touch, drizzle warm maple syrup over the top and dust with powdered sugar. Add fresh berries or sliced bananas for a pop of color and natural sweetness.
You can serve it with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage to balance the sweetness with some savory flavors. A side of Greek yogurt or a fresh fruit salad also pairs really well.
If you are hosting a brunch, offer a toppings bar with different syrups, fruits, nuts, and spreads. This makes it fun and lets everyone customize their own plate.
Serve it warm and fresh out of the oven for the best taste and texture. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Oven French toast is everything you love about the traditional version, but easier and perfect for feeding a group. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a breakfast that feels special and tastes amazing. It is a go-to recipe for holidays, weekend mornings, or anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.
What makes this recipe stand out is its flexibility. Whether you are making it sweet, savory, simple, or decadent, you have the freedom to make it your own. You do not have to be an expert in the kitchen to pull this off. Just follow the steps, use good bread, and let the oven do the work.
Try this best oven French toast recipe once and it will likely become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. It is comforting, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table.