Cinnamon Raisin Bagel French Toast Bake
Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional French toast with our Cinnamon Raisin Bagel French Toast Bake! This easy and shareable breakfast treat features the unique texture of bagels, which adds a delicious and satisfying crunch to the classic creamy French toast. Ideal for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches, it can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning. Elevate your breakfast experience with the rich sweetness of maple syrup, the tang of creamy Laughing Cow cheese, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for families and gatherings, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bagels
2 (Cut in half and spread with cheese)
Laughing Cow cheese
3 (3 wedges, spread on bagels)
eggs or egg substitute
3 or 3/4 cup (Whisked with other egg mixture ingredients)
milk
1/2 cup (Used in egg mixture)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Used in egg mixture)
maple syrup
2 tablespoons (Used in egg mixture)
chopped pecans
1/4 cup (Sprinkled on top)
cinnamon sugar
to taste (Sprinkled on top before final bake)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cut the bagels in half and spread a generous layer of Laughing Cow cheese on the cut sides. Next, slice each half into eight equal pieces.
3
Arrange the bagel pieces cut side down in an 8x8 inch baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, making sure to cover the bottom evenly.
4
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs (or egg substitute), milk, vanilla, and maple syrup until fully combined.
5
Pour the egg mixture over the bagel pieces, ensuring they are all coated. Gently press down any bagel pieces that float to the top.
6
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top.
7
Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bagels to soak up the custard mixture.
8
The next morning, take the dish out of the refrigerator and let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature before baking.
9
Once ready, uncover the dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and sprinkle liberally with cinnamon sugar.
10
Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the center is set and the surface is golden brown.
11
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few moments before serving. Enjoy with warmed maple syrup drizzled on top!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cinnamon Raisin Bagel French Toast Bake?
It is a delicious twist on traditional French toast that uses bagels instead of bread to add a satisfying crunch and unique texture to a creamy breakfast casserole.
What kind of bagels are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cinnamon raisin bagels to enhance the sweet and spicy flavor profile of the dish.
What type of cheese is used for the spread?
The recipe uses 3 wedges of Laughing Cow cheese, which are spread on the cut sides of the bagels.
Can I use an egg substitute instead of real eggs?
Yes, you can use either 3 whole eggs or 3/4 cup of an egg substitute for the custard mixture.
How much milk is required for the egg mixture?
You will need 1/2 cup of milk to whisk into the egg mixture.
How do I prepare the bagels before placing them in the pan?
Cut the bagels in half, spread them with Laughing Cow cheese, and then slice each half into eight equal pieces.
What size baking pan should I use?
An 8x8 inch baking pan is the recommended size for this recipe.
Should the bagels be placed face up or face down in the pan?
The bagel pieces should be arranged cut side down in the baking pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should spray the 8x8 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray before adding the bagels.
Can I bake this recipe immediately after assembling it?
The recipe recommends covering the dish with foil and refrigerating it overnight to allow the bagels to fully soak up the custard mixture.
What toppings are added before the overnight soak?
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top of the bagel and egg mixture before refrigerating.
How long should the dish sit at room temperature before baking?
Let the dish sit for 30 minutes at room temperature after removing it from the refrigerator.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes while covered with foil.
When do I add the cinnamon sugar?
After the initial 30 minutes of baking, uncover the dish and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar liberally over the top.
How long is the final bake time after uncovering?
The dish should bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes once uncovered.
How can I tell when the French toast bake is finished?
The bake is done when the center is set and the surface has turned golden brown.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm, ideally with a drizzle of warmed maple syrup on top.
Why do I need to press the bagels down into the egg mixture?
Gently pressing them down ensures that every piece is coated and absorbs the custard rather than drying out.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Is there maple syrup inside the custard mixture?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup are whisked into the eggs and milk before pouring over the bagels.
What makes bagels a good choice for French toast?
Bagels have a denser, more unique texture than standard bread, which results in a delicious and satisfying crunch when baked.
Can this recipe be prepared for a large gathering?
Yes, this casserole-style dish is ideal for families and gatherings because it is easy to share and can be made ahead of time.
How many bagels are needed per serving?
The total recipe uses 2 bagels; the number of servings depends on how you slice the finished 8x8 casserole.
What kind of nuts are recommended for the topping?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for the topping.
Can I use any flavor of Laughing Cow cheese?
While the recipe implies a creamy tang, the original creamy version works best, though a honey or cinnamon variety would also complement the dish.
Is the cinnamon sugar amount specific?
The amount of cinnamon sugar is to taste, allowing you to control the level of sweetness.
Should I let the bake cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool for a few moments after removing it from the oven helps the custard set.
Is this a good recipe for busy mornings?
Yes, because it is prepared the night before, it only requires baking in the morning, making it perfect for busy schedules.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as breakfast, casserole, bagels, french toast, brunch, easy recipe, make ahead, and cinnamon.