French toast is a timeless breakfast favorite—soft, custardy bread soaked in eggs and milk, kissed with cinnamon, and fried to golden perfection. But what if you could enjoy all that flavor in a dish that’s easier to make, perfect for sharing, and even better for feeding a crowd? Enter the French Toast Bake.
This oven-baked version transforms the traditional stovetop recipe into a comforting casserole-style dish. It’s just as indulgent, with fluffy bread on the inside and a slightly crisp, golden crust on top. Even better, you can prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning—making it a lifesaver for holidays, brunch gatherings, or lazy weekends.
Why French Toast Bake is Special
Unlike traditional French toast, which requires flipping slices one by one in a skillet, French Toast Bake lets you prep once, bake once, and serve everyone at the same time. The bread soaks up a sweet custard mixture overnight, allowing the flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg to deepen. When baked, it emerges as a sliceable, scoopable dish that tastes like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into a classic French Toast Bake:
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1 loaf of French bread or brioche (day-old works best)
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8 large eggs
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2 cups whole milk
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or chopped nuts.