30 minutes
A classic breakfast dish made with bread dipped in a custard mixture and baked to perfection.
each
tablespoons
Brown Sugar, packed
teaspoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
Unsalted Butter, melted
tablespoons
cups
Hearty White Sandwich Bread
slices
Vegetable Oil Spray
to taste
1. Adjust Oven Racks and Preheat Oven
First, adjust your oven racks. Place one rack in the lowest position and another 5 to 6 inches from the broiler element. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet
Next, prepare your baking sheet by spraying it generously with vegetable oil spray, covering both the bottom and sides. This ensures that the French toast won't stick and will bake evenly.
3. Make Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Continue whisking until the sugar dissolves and there are no streaks of egg remaining. This mixture forms the base of your custard, which will soak into the bread for that classic, rich French toast flavor. While still whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the melted butter, followed by the milk, ensuring a smooth and well-combined custard.
4. Soak Bread in Custard
Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer, leaving small gaps between them to allow even soaking. Quickly flip each slice using your fingers to coat both sides in the egg mixture. Let the bread sit for about a minute to fully absorb the remaining custard.
5. Bake the French Toast
Place the baking sheet on the lower rack of your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the bottoms of the slices are golden brown. This step ensures even cooking and avoids the sogginess that can come with traditional frying methods.
6. Broil the French Toast
While the bread is baking, heat your broiler. Once the bottoms are golden, transfer the baking sheet to the upper rack and broil the tops for 1 to 4 minutes. Watch carefully and rotate the sheet if necessary to prevent burning. The tops should become golden brown and slightly crisp.
7. Serve French Toast
Finally, use a thin metal spatula to flip the slices and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked French toast, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Opt for a sturdy, day-old bread such as brioche, challah, or a French baguette. The slight dryness of day-old bread will help it absorb the custard mixture without falling apart, leading to a better texture.
Balance is key in your custard. For a richer taste, use a blend of whole milk and heavy cream. The fat content in the cream will contribute to a creamier, more luxurious texture. Adding a dash of pure vanilla extract and a hint of cinnamon can also give your French toast a warm, aromatic flavor.
Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for an adequate amount of time. This could range from 15 minutes to a few hours in the refrigerator, depending on the thickness and density of the bread. The goal is for the bread to absorb the mixture without it pooling at the bottom of the baking dish.
Serve the French toast warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, and perhaps a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for a touch of freshness.
Bake your French toast in a preheated oven at a moderate temperature (around 350°F) until it is puffed and golden brown. This could take anywhere from 25 to 40 minutes. Ensure the middle is cooked through but not overbaked, as this could dry it out.
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