The Best French Toast Bake

French toast bake using Texas Toast sliced bread, finished baking in a pan and sliced to serve.

The Best French Toast Bake

This French toast casserole always gets recipe requests, as it is set apart from all other recipes. It uses a thick sliced loaf of Texas Toast sandwich bread. Can be prepared the night before.

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 1

Servings:

Ingredients

½ cup salted butter, 1 stick, melted
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
6-8 slices Texas Toast sliced sandwich bread, Found in fresh sliced bread aisle, not pre-seasoned/frozen.
4 large eggs
1 ½ cup whole milk, or low-fat
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
⅛ teaspoon table salt

For Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings

Powdered sugar, for sprinkling
Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

Use hand whisk to combine eggs, milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until fully incorporated. Mixture should be about 2 3/4 cup total. Set aside.
Put butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 20 second increments, stirring in between, until melted.
Add 1 cup brown sugar and stir until well incorporated. Use rubber spatula to evenly press mixture into bottom of a greased 9×13 pan, spreading mixture evenly.
Lay a single layer of Texas Toast in pan, about 6 whole slices, including any additional pieces to completely fill bottom of the pan.
Very gradually and slowly brush 1 cup of egg mixture evenly over every slice of bread, taking care to saturate edges - do not hastily pour egg mixture or all of it will end up at the bottom.
Sprinkle evenly with most of the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture, reserving about 2 tsp of the mixture for topping. Repeat with second layer, using another 6 slices or so of bread.
Slowly brush remaining egg mixture over that layer, again paying special attention to the edges. Ensure all slices are well saturated. End with sprinkling of remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
Cover tightly and chill overnight in fridge, or at least 3-4 hours or long enough for custard to thoroughly soak bread.
Preheat oven to 350F, with rack on lower middle position. Let casserole rest at room temp while oven preheats. Bake 40-45 minutes - covered for the first 30 minutes and uncovered for remaining time.
Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. Cut into slices, scraping up all the sticky bottom layer. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Notes

If you don't have time to chill overnight, let the casserole soak for at least 1-2 hours at room temp before baking.
French bread casserole is best served freshly baked and warm.
Substitutions: Brioche, challah or thick-sliced French bread (sliced 1 1/4 inches) can work if you cannot find Texas Toast sandwich bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be wrapped airtight and kept at mild room temperature for 1 day or chilled for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat uncovered in the oven.
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Nutrition (per serving)

Course: Breakfast, brunch

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Method: Bake