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
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
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
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
Prepare the baking sheet
Lightly coat the 18×13‑inch rimmed baking sheet with non‑stick cooking spray.
Time: PT2M
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Egg: Egg substitute (commercial)
- Instead of Brown Sugar: White granulated sugar
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Ground nutmeg, Pumpkin pie spice
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Almond extract
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, vegetable oil
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, half‑and‑half, unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of White Sandwich Bread: Brioche, Challah, Texas toast
- Instead of Non‑Stick Cooking Spray: Butter, melted, oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Maple Syrup: Honey, fruit preserves
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- 18×13‑inch Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Spatula or Tongs
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use slightly stale or toasted bread; it soaks the custard without falling apart.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
- For extra crispness, brush the top of each slice with a little melted butter before broiling.
Troubleshooting
French toast is soggy in the center.
Make sure the bread is not overly stale and limit soaking time to about 1 minute per side; increase oven bake time by 2‑3 minutes.
Top side burns before the bottom is fully cooked.
Start with the lowest rack for a longer bake, then finish under the broiler only for 1‑2 minutes; keep the broiler distance at 5‑6 inches.
Custard pools at the bottom of the pan.
Spread the custard evenly over the sheet before adding bread, and tilt the sheet gently to coat all slices.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Freezer: Freeze individually on a parchment sheet, then transfer to a zip‑top bag; lasts up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 15‑20 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the custard up to step 3 and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking.
- Baked French toast can be kept warm in a low oven (200°F) for up to 30 minutes.
- Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven to restore crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of French toast in American breakfast cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of French toast in the United States?
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.
How is French toast traditionally served in New England households?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is French toast traditionally associated with in American culture?
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.
What authentic ingredients are used in classic American French toast versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other American breakfast dishes pair well with this oven‑baked French toast?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making oven‑baked French toast?
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.
Why does this recipe use a two‑stage bake‑then‑broil method instead of pan‑frying each slice?
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.
Can I make this oven‑baked French toast ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the French toast is done?
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.
What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to American breakfast recipes differ from other cooking channels?
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.
What other American breakfast recipes is the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen known for?
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.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
