This delicious Baked French Toast recipe is a new take that is extremely simple to prepare and cooks like a casserole. Entertain a crowd with ease and impress your loved ones.
I LOVE Baked French Toast!
Growing up in Germany, my mom would usually make it for lunch, actually. Whenever we had some older bread and she had to put something on the table quickly, French toast came to the rescue.
Well, the German name for it, “Arme Ritter” has nothing to do with the French, but actually means “poor knights”. Despite a little Google research, I cannot find the history or origin of this name, though.
We didn’t drown them in maple syrup, that’s something I only came to know and like in Canada. Instead, we often had it as a side with another savory dish.
Baked French Toast as a Casserole
Making traditional French toast for a brunch crowd can become quite the ordeal. I prefer visiting with guests over frying away at the hot pan. Luckily, it can also be made in the oven in the form of a casserole.
I’ll be honest: when I first heard of French toast casseroles, I was very skeptical. How could it still have the same texture of crispy outsides and a spongy interior? But it truly works and tastes absolutely divine!
Prepare in Advance and Pop in the Oven Later
And it can even be prepared ahead of time. You can toss the bread cubes and egg mixture at night, let it soak in the fridge overnight and just pop the whole dish in the oven while getting ready for breakfast or brunch. Serve topped with (macerated) berries and maple syrup. Mmmm…yum!
This is PERFECT if you are hosting Mother’s Day brunch.
Bake Like a Pro
To ensure the best, most delicious dish, keep these couple of tips in mind. For one, ensure that the bread cubes are a bit on the crusty side. This way, they will hold while being cooked. The dish comes together much better this way.
Lastly, you can very simply use a bigger, 9×13 pan and double the recipe. Be bold! Make as much as you need. This recipe scales up very easily so you can entertain a crowd in a cinch!
Baked French Toast Casserole
This delicious Baked French Toast recipe is a new take that is extremely simple to prepare and cooks like a casserole. Entertain a crowd with ease and impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp each ground cloves and salt
- 3-4 cups crusty bread cubes ~ 1 inch cubes
- 3-4 tbsp unrefined sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8 inch square baking dish. Place bread cubes into dish to generously cover the bottom.
- In a mixing bowl whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Pour over bread cubes and toss slightly to coat them. (Up to this point you can prepare the night before and store covered in the fridge.)
- Sprinkle unrefined sugar over top and bake for 40-50 minutes until set. If center is still jiggly, return to oven for 5-10 more minutes. Serve right away topped with macerated berries and maple syrup.
Recipe Notes
The recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 9x13 inch pan.
Other Breakfast Recipes
Keep the breakfast train going with these similar breakfast recipes!
Anna | One Prickly Pear
Argh, I wish I’d had this for breakfast this morning. It looks simply delicious! Pinned…hehehe.
And congratulations on your partnership with eBay. How exciting! Best of luck 🙂
Regina
Thanks so much Anna, it is a really exciting collaboration. Thanks also for pinning! 🙂
Jacquee | I Sugar Coat It!
I too was skeptical the first time I made baked French toast, but it was a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for Mother’s Day. (p.s. I was not able to leave comments on your ebay posts…)
Regina
Thanks for letting me know, Jaqcuee, I wonder, if one needs an account to be able to comment? I will investigate further 🙂
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter
I absolutely love overnight french toasts! This one looks incredible and perfect for Mother’s Day!
Regina
Thank you Kelly! I saw you recently posted a french toast recipe as well. Will have to check it out 🙂