Baked French Bread
Sweet and comforting baked French bread with eggs, cream, spices, nuts, and maple syrup, perfect for brunch or a cozy dessert for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a large baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch slices.
- Place the sliced bread in the baking dish in a single layer with sides touching.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread.
- Dot with softened butter and sprinkle with light brown sugar and chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle with maple syrup.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to soak.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider replacing some milk with additional light cream. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds make great substitutes. You can also add fruits like blueberries or bananas for extra flavor. Be sure to let the bread soak long enough to absorb the egg mixture for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt for a balanced brunch. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Holiday Frosted Fruit Salad for a colorful and refreshing complement.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 30-45 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked French Bread contains roughly 736 calories, with 8g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 8g 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 prepare this dish the night before?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for overnight preparation. After assembling, cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully. Just remember to bake it in the morning for a warm, delicious breakfast.
What can I use instead of light cream?
You can substitute light cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and heavy cream. If you want a lighter option, using whole milk will also work well, though the dish may be slightly less rich.
Can I freeze baked French bread leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the oven.
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).