Description
Imagine starting your morning with a heavenly slice of the Decadent Overnight French Toast Bake. This recipe transforms traditional French toast into an indulgent treat ideal for lazy weekends or festive brunches. Prepared the night before and baked to perfection in the morning, this dish promises a stress-free yet spectacular breakfast experience.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Maple syrup, for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preparation of the Baking Dish
Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and neatly arrange the French bread slices in a single layer.
2. Creating the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Soaking the French Bread
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is well-soaked. Press down lightly to absorb the liquid fully.
4. Refrigerating Overnight
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight allowing the bread to absorb all flavors thoroughly.
5. Preparing for Baking
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.
6. Adding Final Touches
Dot the top of the bread with small pieces of butter and a generous sprinkle of sugar for a glistening, caramelized crust.
7. Baking
Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the toast has puffed up.
8. Caramelizing the Top
After baking, let it cool momentarily, sprinkle additional sugar over the top, and broil briefly to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an overnight rest, and a cooking time of approximately 40 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The oven is preferable to maintain the toast’s crispiness.
Conclusion
The Decadent Overnight French Toast Bake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a practical choice for anyone looking to impress with minimal morning effort. Rich, flavorful, and irresistibly crisp, it’s the perfect dish to celebrate any day with a special touch. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and perhaps a dusting of powdered sugar for an unforgettable breakfast or brunch.
Print
Decadent Overnight French Toast Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
Imagine starting your morning with a heavenly slice of the Decadent Overnight French Toast Bake. This recipe transforms traditional French toast into an indulgent treat ideal for lazy weekends or festive brunches. Prepared the night before and baked to perfection in the morning, this dish promises a stress-free yet spectacular breakfast experience.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Preparation of the Baking Dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and neatly arrange the French bread slices in a single layer.
- Creating the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Soaking the French Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is well-soaked. Press down lightly to absorb the liquid fully.
- Refrigerating Overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight allowing the bread to absorb all flavors thoroughly.
- Preparing for Baking: The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish.
- Adding Final Touches: Dot the top of the bread with small pieces of butter and a generous sprinkle of sugar for a glistening, caramelized crust.
- Baking: Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the toast has puffed up.
- Caramelizing the Top: After baking, let it cool momentarily, sprinkle additional sugar over the top, and broil briefly to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes