Baked French Toast For A Crowd

Name: Baked French Toast For A Crowd
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread; 6 large eggs; 2 cups of milk; 1/2 cup of heavy cream; 1/2 cup of sugar; 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon of cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon of salt; Maple syrup; Fresh berries; Powdered sugar (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen

When I want to treat a group with a delicious breakfast, this Baked French Toast For A Crowd never disappoints! I love how easy it is to prepare the night before, allowing me to enjoy the company of my guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen. The combination of fluffy bread soaked in a rich egg custard, with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, creates a delightful dish everyone will enjoy. It's a crowd-pleaser that makes mornings feel special without the hassle.

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-15T04:05:36.132Z

Last weekend, I wanted something special for brunch with friends. After experimenting with various recipes, I hit the jackpot with my Baked French Toast For A Crowd. The night before, I prepped everything, soaking the bread and mixing in the sugar and spices. This method ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a wonderfully rich and satisfying dish!

As the bake began, the sweet aroma filled my kitchen, and my friends couldn't wait to dig in. I served it with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh berries, which elevated the whole experience. The key is to allow the bread to soak properly for the best texture!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort
Customizable with your favorite toppings and add-ins
Combines the comforts of home-style cooking with ease

Mastering the Soak

The soaking time for the bread is crucial in this recipe. If you're short on time, aim for a minimum of 30 minutes, but letting it sit overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard. This results in a richer flavor and a creamier texture. The brioche or challah acts like a sponge, soaking in the egg mixture and ensuring a delightful custard experience in every bite.

Another tip for achieving that perfect texture is to press down gently on the bread slices with a spatula after pouring in the custard. This helps eliminate any air pockets and ensures that all pieces are evenly coated. If you find that some bread slices are floating above the custard, just rearranging them slightly can promote even absorption and prevent dryness.

Baking to Perfection

Achieving the right bake on your French toast is essential for a satisfying finish. Preheating your oven is vital; a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) is ideal for ensuring an even cook. Keep an eye on the French toast during the last 10 minutes of baking; you're looking for it to rise and become golden brown with a slightly firm edge. If it seems to be browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil to prevent burning.

Allowing the dish to rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking will help set the custard further, leading to cleaner slices. This is also a great time to prepare your toppings. As the French toast cools slightly, the flavors will meld beautifully, making each bite luxurious. If you serve it too hot, the custard may be too liquid and not hold its shape.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients for an easy cooking experience!

For the French Toast

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread
6 large eggs
2 cups of milk
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1/2 cup of sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of salt

For Serving

Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar (optional)

With your ingredients ready, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious baked French toast!

Prepare the Bread

Cut the loaf of bread into thick slices, about 1 inch each. Arrange the slices in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the French toast for 40 minutes until golden and puffed. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Your baked French toast is ready to enjoy! Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding some orange zest to the custard mixture for a citrusy twist. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for a fun variation.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Baked French Toast, presentation can elevate the experience. I love to garnish each serving with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and color. Fresh berries not only add vibrant color but also a refreshing tartness that complements the richness of the custard beautifully. You might also consider serving it alongside whipped cream for an extra indulgent breakfast.

Maple syrup is the classic pairing, but consider flavored syrups, such as blueberry or pecan, for a twist. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add crunch and enhance the overall textural contrast, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe shines as a make-ahead option, making it ideal for brunch gatherings. Prepare the custard and soak the bread the night before, which allows the flavors to deepen and the bread to become fully infused. Just be sure to cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting the dish.

If you're considering freezing leftovers, allow the baked French toast to cool completely, then slice it into portions. Wrap each slice in foil or parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This way, you can experience that comforting breakfast even on busy mornings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free bread for the same delicious result.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.

→ Can I freeze the baked French toast?

Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Just wrap it tightly and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute with more milk or use a non-dairy option like almond milk for a lighter version.