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 (about 16 oz) brioche or challah bread; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Maple syrup; Fresh berries; Powdered sugar (optional)

Highlighted under: Traditional Family Comfort

I love hosting brunches, and this Baked French Toast For A Crowd has become a go-to recipe for me. It allows me to serve a delicious breakfast to many guests with minimal effort. The fluffy bread soaked in a rich custard, combined with maple syrup and fresh fruits, creates an irresistible dish that pleases everyone. Preparing this French toast overnight means I can enjoy my guests instead of stressing over the stove. It’s a simple yet impressive way to start the day!

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-02-15T03:21:36.578Z

This Baked French Toast was born out of necessity when I needed to feed a larger group without overwhelming myself in the kitchen. I experimented with various combinations of bread and toppings, and found that a mix of brioche and challah soaked overnight yields a wonderfully custardy texture. The key is allowing the bread to soak long enough to absorb all those delicious flavors.

When serving, I love adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of warm maple syrup. It's the little details—like using fresh berries—that elevate this dish to a new level, making it not just breakfast, but a memorable experience for everyone at the table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Easy to prepare in advance, allowing more time to relax with family and friends.
Customizable with various fruits and toppings.
Deliciously rich and comforting, perfect for any brunch occasion.

The Importance of Bread Choice

Choosing the right bread is crucial for achieving the ultimate Baked French Toast. Brioche and challah are excellent options due to their rich, buttery flavor and fluffy texture, which absorb the custard beautifully. If you're looking for a denser bread, consider using a good-quality sourdough or even an artisan white bread. Just ensure it's a bit stale, as fresh bread can become overly soggy when soaked in the custard.

When preparing the bread, aim for slices that are about 1 inch thick. This thickness allows for the perfect balance between a golden exterior and a custardy interior. If your bread is very fresh, an overnight sit on the counter can help dry it out slightly, enhancing its ability to soak up the custard without falling apart.

Crafting the Perfect Custard

The custard is what makes this dish shine, so it's vital to whisk the ingredients thoroughly until they are completely combined. This will ensure a smooth texture and even distribution of flavor. The combination of eggs, milk, and heavy cream creates a rich base that adds depth to the dish. If you're looking to lighten it up a bit, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with more milk without compromising the overall flavor.

For added depth, consider incorporating spices like nutmeg or cardamom into the custard. A teaspoon of either can elevate the flavor profile, complementing the cinnamon beautifully. Just remember to balance the quantities so that none of the spices overpower the dish.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once baked, allow the French toast to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time enhances the texture, letting the custard set a bit more firmly. While powdered sugar and maple syrup are classic toppings, feel free to get creative. Try adding a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt, or serve it with a side of sautéed apples or bananas for a delicious twist on flavor.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also freeze the French toast before baking; just wrap it tightly and store it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Ingredients

For the French toast

1 loaf (about 16 oz) brioche or challah bread
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

For serving

Maple syrup
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Cut the bread into thick slices (about 1 inch wide) and place them in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Make the Custard

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

Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture over the sliced bread, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the French toast, uncovered, for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serve

Let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Pro Tips

For best results, use stale bread as it absorbs the custard more effectively. You can also add a touch of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust it with seasonal fruits. For spring and summer, adding fresh strawberries, peaches, or bananas can brighten up the dish, while in fall and winter, try incorporating apples or pears sautéed in butter and brown sugar for a warm touch. Simply add sliced fruit between the layers of bread when assembling for an extra flavor dimension.

For a gourmet twist, consider infusing the custard with flavors like orange zest or almond extract. Both can enhance the rich creaminess of the custard, creating an elevated experience. Just use about 1 teaspoon of zest or extract to avoid overpowering the dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your French toast comes out too soggy, it may not have been layered correctly or allowed enough time to soak before baking. Make sure each slice is fully coated in custard, and if the bread is exceptionally fresh, consider toasting it lightly in the oven before assembly to help it absorb the custard better. Additionally, check your baking time; it should be golden brown and set in the middle.

On the other hand, if you find the French toast is rubbery, it’s likely due to overbaking. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes; it should be firm but still slightly jiggly in the center before you take it out. Always let it cool for a few minutes as it will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.

Scaling the Recipe

This Baked French Toast recipe is easily scalable if you're hosting a larger crowd. For every additional loaf of bread you add, simply multiply the custard ingredients accordingly. Keeping the same loaf size ensures consistent texture and flavor; for example, two loaves would mean doubling the eggs and other liquids to maintain that creamy depth.

If you're cooking for a smaller group, you can easily halve the recipe and prepare it in an 8x8 inch baking dish. This serves about 4-6 people comfortably. Just remember that baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your creation as it approaches the golden-brown stage.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water, and use plant-based milk and cream.

→ Can I use other types of bread?

Absolutely! Any bread that is sturdy enough to hold the custard will work, such as sourdough or whole wheat.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked soaked bread. Just bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.