Baked French Bread Toast
A delightful baked French bread toast with blueberries and strawberries, infused with vanilla and cinnamon, perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Diagonally cut the bread into 1-inch slices and place in the pan until full.
- Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla.
- Stir in the milk until well blended.
- Pour the mixture over the bread in the pan, turning slices to coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the butter until coarse crumbs form.
- Turn the bread over and scatter blueberries over it.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Cut into squares and top with strawberries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using whole milk instead of 2% in the egg mixture. If you don't have blueberries, feel free to substitute them with raspberries or diced apples. To save time, you can prepare the mixture in the morning and bake it in the evening. For a delightful twist, try serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked French Bread Toast is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. Pair it with fresh orange juice or a steaming cup of coffee for a complete breakfast experience. It also pairs beautifully with Chocolate Layer Pie for a special brunch occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. For a crispy texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked French Bread Toast contains roughly 818 calories, with 10g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but it’s best to let it sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly. This will help prevent the bread from becoming too soggy during the soaking process.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the French bread with a gluten-free bread option. Also, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour in the crumb topping to keep the recipe entirely gluten-free.
Can I freeze the baked French bread toast?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the baked toast to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).