Delicious Overnight French Toast Bake
This scrumptious Overnight French Toast Bake is perfect for a cozy breakfast without the morning rush. Preparing it the night before allows the French bread to soak up a delightful mixture of eggs, milk, and orange juice, creating a fluffy, rich flavor that’s sure to impress. Simply bake it fresh in the morning for a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Gather your family around for a delightful breakfast experience!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
French bread
8 slices (cut into 3/4-inch thick slices)
eggs
4 (beaten)
milk
1 cup (whole or 2%)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
butter
2 tablespoons (softened for greasing and frying)
Instructions
1
Start by arranging 8 slices of French bread in a greased 9x12-inch baking dish in a single layer.
2
In a mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs until well combined. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until the mixture is smooth.
3
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices. Use your hands to gently turn each slice to ensure they are thoroughly coated in the mixture.
4
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
5
The next morning, preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of softened butter.
6
Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add slices of the soaked bread to the skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
7
Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Overnight French Toast Bake?
It is a breakfast dish where bread slices are soaked in a custard mixture overnight and cooked the next morning for a rich, fluffy texture.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
French bread is recommended, specifically cut into 3/4-inch thick slices to hold up during the overnight soaking process.
Why should I soak the French toast overnight?
Soaking it overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the egg and milk mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and custard-like interior.
How many slices of bread do I need?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of French bread.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, while the recipe suggests whole or 2% milk, you can use any milk of your choice, including dairy-free options like almond or oat milk.
What does the orange juice add to the recipe?
The 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice provide a subtle citrus brightness that complements the sweet flavors.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
You will need 4 eggs, beaten well before mixing with the other ingredients.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 9x12-inch baking dish is the ideal size for arranging the 8 bread slices in a single layer.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a hint of aromatic sweetness.
Do I need to turn the bread during soaking?
Yes, it is recommended to gently turn each slice by hand after pouring the custard over them to ensure they are thoroughly coated.
How should I store the bread while it soaks?
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.
Is this French toast baked or fried?
After the overnight soak in the dish, the slices are cooked on a skillet or griddle with butter until golden brown.
What temperature should I use for cooking?
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat for even cooking.
How much butter is used for frying?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of softened butter to grease the skillet.
How long does each slice take to cook?
Each side should be cooked for approximately 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
What are the best toppings for this dish?
Popular toppings include maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I add more sugar to the custard?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar, but you can adjust this amount to suit your personal sweetness preference.
Is salt necessary in the mixture?
Yes, a 1/4 teaspoon of salt is used to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Can I make this if I forgot to prepare it the night before?
While overnight is best, a minimum soak of 4 hours may still yield good results, though the texture may be slightly different.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled orange juice works if fresh is unavailable, though freshly squeezed offers the best flavor.
What should the bread thickness be?
The bread should be cut into 3/4-inch thick slices to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Absolutely! Its easy preparation and delicious flavor make it a perfect choice for brunch gatherings.
Can I add cinnamon to the custard?
Yes, although not in the original list, adding a dash of cinnamon is a popular variation for French toast.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Breakfast and is considered a comfort food.
Do I need to grease the dish even if I am frying the bread later?
Yes, greasing the dish ensures the bread doesn't stick during the overnight soaking process.
How do I know when the French toast is done?
The toast is done when it is golden brown on both sides and the center is cooked through and no longer soggy.
Can I halve the recipe for fewer people?
Yes, you can easily halve the ingredients to serve 2 people using a smaller baking dish.
Can I use gluten-free bread?
Yes, you can substitute French bread with a sturdy gluten-free bread of your choice.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or skillet to maintain the crisp edges.