Description
A decadent, make-ahead French toast recipe with the rich custard flavor and caramelized topping of classic crème brûlée. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this overnight recipe ensures ease and indulgence with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange bread slices in a single layer, slightly overlapping as needed.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla, 2/3 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring each piece is soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat and Bake: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Dot the bread with butter pieces and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until puffed and golden.
- Caramelize: Remove from oven, sprinkle additional sugar, and broil until sugar caramelizes. Serve with maple syrup.
Notes
- Use sturdy bread like French or challah to prevent sogginess.
- Broil carefully to caramelize without burning.
- Serve with fresh fruit, turkey bacon, or chicken sausage for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: Make-ahead French Toast, French Toast Bake, Custard French Toast, Caramelized French Toast Bake