YT Recipe

Oven-Baked French Toast

Oven-Baked French Toast is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 16 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $3.08 total, $0.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 Large Egg (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (pure or imitation)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 8 slices White Sandwich Bread (hearty, slightly stale works best)
  • 1 spray Non‑Stick Cooking Spray (to grease the baking sheet)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for serving, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the custard

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the three large eggs, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is uniform and no streaks of egg remain.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Add butter and milk

    Melt the unsalted butter (microwave or stovetop) and stir it into the egg mixture, then whisk in the whole milk until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Preheat the oven and broiler

    Set the oven to 425°F (218°C) and let it preheat while you finish the prep. Position one rack on the lowest level and a second rack about 5‑6 inches below the broiler.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 425°F

  4. Prepare the baking sheet

    Lightly coat the 18×13‑inch rimmed baking sheet with non‑stick cooking spray.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Arrange bread and pour custard

    Lay the eight slices of bread in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Pour the custard over the bread, allowing it to flow into the gaps.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Let the bread absorb

    Allow the bread to sit for about one minute, then gently flip the slices so the opposite side can soak for another minute.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Bake on the lowest rack

    Place the sheet on the lowest rack and bake for 12 minutes, or until the bottom of the bread is golden brown.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 425°F

  8. Broil the top side

    Move the sheet to the upper rack, 5‑6 inches below the broiler, and broil for 4 minutes, watching closely until the tops are nicely browned.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Broil

  9. Flip and finish broiling

    Using a spatula or tongs, flip the French toast slices so the browned side faces down, then broil for an additional 2 minutes to trap steam and soften the top.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Broil

  10. Serve

    Transfer the French toast to plates, add a pat of butter and drizzle with maple syrup, then enjoy immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Butter

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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Oven-Baked French Toast

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

A crowd‑friendly, hands‑free French toast baked in the oven. Using everyday white sandwich bread, a simple custard of eggs, milk, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and a quick broil, you get crispy edges and a custardy center without flipping each slice in a skillet.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
16m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.08
Total cost
$0.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Whisk the custard until completely smooth; any streaks will give an uneven texture.
  • • Allow the bread to soak just long enough (about 1 minute per side) so it absorbs flavor without becoming soggy.
  • • Watch the broiler closely; the top can burn in seconds.

Safety Warnings

  • • The oven and broiler become extremely hot; use oven mitts when handling the baking sheet.
  • • Melted butter can splatter; handle with care to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of French toast in American breakfast cuisine?

A

French toast, known in the U.S. as "egg‑bread" or "pain perdu," dates back to colonial times when leftover bread was revived with eggs and milk. It became a staple comfort food for weekend breakfasts and holiday brunches across America.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of French toast in the United States?

A

In the South, French toast is often served with powdered sugar and fruit preserves; in the Northeast, it may be topped with maple syrup and butter; some Midwestern families add a splash of orange juice to the custard for extra flavor.

cultural
Q

How is French toast traditionally served in New England households?

A

New Englanders typically serve French toast with pure maple syrup, a pat of unsalted butter, and sometimes a side of crisp bacon or fresh berries for a balanced breakfast.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is French toast traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

French toast is a popular choice for leisurely weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts such as Thanksgiving or Easter, and special family gatherings because it can be made in large batches and feels indulgent.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in classic American French toast versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Classic American French toast uses eggs, whole milk, white sandwich bread, butter, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Substitutes include using brioche or challah for richer bread, almond milk for dairy‑free versions, or maple‑flavored vanilla extract for extra sweetness.

cultural
Q

What other American breakfast dishes pair well with this oven‑baked French toast?

A

Serve the baked French toast alongside crispy bacon, breakfast sausage links, fresh fruit salad, or a side of scrambled eggs for a complete brunch plate.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making oven‑baked French toast?

A

Common errors include over‑soaking the bread, which makes it soggy; using too low an oven temperature, resulting in a pale crust; and leaving the broiler unattended, which can quickly burn the tops.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a two‑stage bake‑then‑broil method instead of pan‑frying each slice?

A

Baking on a low rack cooks the interior evenly while the final broil creates a crisp, caramelized surface without the need to flip each slice in a skillet, making it faster and less messy for a crowd.

technical
Q

Can I make this oven‑baked French toast ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the custard and soak the bread, then refrigerate the assembled sheet for up to 2 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days and reheated in a 350°F oven to regain crispness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the French toast is done?

A

The edges should be deep golden‑brown and slightly crisp, while the interior remains soft and custardy. The top should have a uniform caramelized sheen without black spots.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

America's Test Kitchen specializes in rigorously tested, science‑based cooking tutorials that focus on reliable techniques, thorough ingredient explanations, and equipment reviews for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to American breakfast recipes differ from other cooking channels?

A

America's Test Kitchen emphasizes precise measurements, step‑by‑step testing, and troubleshooting tips, whereas many other channels rely on intuition or shortcuts. Their breakfast videos often include equipment recommendations and detailed timing charts.

channel
Q

What other American breakfast recipes is the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen known for?

A

America's Test Kitchen is known for its foolproof pancake recipes, perfectly poached eggs, classic buttermilk biscuits, and their definitive guide to making fluffy scrambled eggs.

channel
More like this:American RecipesBreakfast RecipesMore by America's Test Kitchen

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