French toast is a beloved breakfast classic, known for its crispy edges and soft, custardy center. While the traditional method involves frying each slice in a pan, making French toast in the oven is a game-changer—perfect for feeding a crowd or just making your morning routine easier. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you make French toast in the oven?—you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into a friendly, step-by-step guide to baking French toast that’s golden, flavorful, and fuss-free.
Why Choose Oven-Baked French Toast?
Oven-baked French toast offers several advantages:
– Hands-off cooking: No need to stand over the stove flipping slices.
– Even cooking: The oven ensures all slices bake evenly without burning.
– Feeds a crowd: Easily scale up for family or brunch guests.
– Less mess: No splattering butter or oil on the stovetop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to get started:
– Thick slices of bread (brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best)
– Eggs (usually 3 large eggs for about 6-8 slices)
– Milk or cream (about 1 cup)
– Vanilla extract (1 to 1½ teaspoons)
– Ground cinnamon (1 to 1½ teaspoons)
– Brown sugar or honey (optional, about 1 tablespoon)
– Butter (for greasing the pan)
– Pinch of salt
Feel free to customize with nutmeg, orange zest, or even a splash of maple syrup in the custard mixture for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Make French Toast in the Oven
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to around 350°F to 425°F depending on your recipe’s preference. Grease a baking dish or a rimmed sheet pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and helps the French toast get that lovely golden crust.
2. Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and brown sugar or honey if using. Whisk until the mixture is frothy and well combined. This custard bath is what soaks into the bread, giving it that rich, creamy texture.
3. Soak the Bread
Arrange your bread slices in a single layer in the prepared pan. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure each slice gets soaked. Let the bread absorb the custard for a few minutes—flip the slices halfway through soaking to ensure both sides are well coated.
4. Bake the French Toast
Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your oven temperature and bread thickness. For best results, flip the slices halfway through baking to get an even golden color on both sides.
5. Serve Warm and Enjoy!
Once baked, your French toast should be golden brown on the outside and soft inside. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked French Toast
– Use slightly stale or day-old bread: It soaks up the custard better without falling apart.
– Choose thick slices: About 1 to 1½ inches thick to get that custardy center.
– Don’t skimp on spices: Cinnamon and vanilla are classic, but nutmeg or cardamom add a nice twist.
– Butter your pan well: This helps with browning and prevents sticking.
– Flip halfway through baking: This ensures even cooking and a nice crust on both sides.
– Try a sheet pan method: Lining a sheet pan with parchment paper or spraying it well makes cleanup easier and allows you to bake many slices at once.
Variations to Try
– Baked French Toast Casserole: Layer bread cubes in a baking dish, pour custard over, and bake. This is great for make-ahead breakfasts.
– Savory French Toast: Skip the cinnamon and vanilla, add herbs and cheese to the custard for a savory twist.
– Stuffed French Toast: Before baking, sandwich cream cheese, jam, or Nutella between two slices for an indulgent treat.
Making French toast in the oven is a simple way to enjoy this breakfast favorite with less fuss and more flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want an easy weekday treat, this method delivers golden, fluffy French toast every time. So grab your favorite bread, mix up that custard, and get baking!
French toast perfection is just an oven away. Enjoy!