Introduction
Sheet pan french toast recipe is a smart and comforting breakfast idea that brings classic flavors together with modern convenience. Soft bread soaked in a rich custard, baked evenly in the oven, creates a dish that feels indulgent yet simple. The aroma alone fills the kitchen with warmth and makes mornings feel special.
Busy mornings often make traditional french toast feel like too much work, especially when cooking slice by slice. This oven baked method solves that problem by allowing everything to cook at once. The texture turns out fluffy inside with a lightly crisp top, making every bite satisfying and balanced.
Families love this recipe because it is easy to scale and perfect for sharing. Whether prepared for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or meal prep, sheet pan french toast delivers consistent results. It offers comfort, flavor, and ease in one beautifully baked dish.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a proper column formatted table listing all ingredients with approximate calorie values. Calorie values may vary based on brands and portion sizes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Thick sliced bread | 10 slices | 900 |
| Eggs | 6 large | 420 |
| Whole milk | 2 cups | 300 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | 400 |
| Granulated sugar | 3 tablespoons | 145 |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons | 105 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | 24 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | 6 |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | 0 |
| Unsalted butter melted | 3 tablespoons | 300 |
| Maple syrup for serving | optional | varies |
| Fresh berries for topping | optional | varies |
| Powdered sugar | optional | varies |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
- Arrange bread slices evenly across the sheet pan, slightly overlapping if needed to fit the pan properly.
- In a large mixing bowl crack the eggs and whisk until smooth and pale.
- Add milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the eggs.
- Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the custard looks smooth and well combined.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece absorbs liquid.
- Press the bread gently with a spatula so the custard soaks through evenly.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly over the top to help with browning and flavor.
- Let the bread rest for ten minutes to absorb the custard fully.
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for twenty five minutes.
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
- Bake until the top looks golden and the center feels set when pressed gently.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for five minutes before slicing.
- Cut into squares and prepare toppings as desired before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
• Use brioche or challah bread for a richer and softer texture.
• Add a layer of sliced bananas or berries before baking for natural sweetness.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Replace milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy free version.
• Add nutmeg or cardamom for deeper spice notes.
• Prepare the dish the night before and bake in the morning for convenience.
• Serve with yogurt instead of syrup for a lighter option.
Nutritional Information
Sheet pan french toast provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 14 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45 grams |
| Fat | 20 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 18 grams |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
This recipe offers sustained energy and can be adjusted easily to meet different dietary needs. Adding fruit increases fiber and vitamins, while reducing sugar lowers calorie content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve sheet pan french toast warm for the best texture and flavor. Drizzle maple syrup lightly over the top and dust with powdered sugar for a classic presentation. Fresh berries add color and freshness, balancing the richness of the custard.
For brunch spreads, pair it with scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, or fresh fruit salad. This creates a complete and satisfying meal without overwhelming the table. For kids, serve smaller squares with fruit on the side to keep portions balanced.
This dish also works well for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. The texture stays soft and enjoyable, making it perfect for weekday breakfasts.
Conclusion
Sheet pan french toast recipe brings together ease, comfort, and classic flavor in one reliable dish. Baking everything at once removes the stress of stovetop cooking while delivering consistent results. Each square offers a soft interior, lightly crisp surface, and rich custard flavor.
Making this recipe part of your breakfast routine saves time without sacrificing quality. With flexible ingredients and endless topping options, it fits many tastes and occasions. Once tried, it quickly becomes a go to favorite for both everyday mornings and special gatherings.
