French Toast For A Crowd
A rich, custardy French toast baked with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, perfect for feeding a crowd and serving as a delightful breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- The evening before serving, place the melted oleo, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Arrange 8 to 10 slices of trimmed white bread in the pan, stacking two deep if necessary.
- Beat the eggs well with the milk and vanilla extract.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and ingredients in the pan.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Next morning, bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Invert portions onto plates when serving. The dish makes its own sauce.
- Enjoy your delicious French toast for a crowd!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah bread as an alternative to white bread. You can also add a splash of orange or almond extract for extra depth. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower for crunch. Ensure to melt the oleo gently to avoid separation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the French toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas can add a refreshing touch on the side. For a delightful pairing, consider serving alongside a light yogurt parfait or a fruit salad to balance the sweetness. It pairs beautifully with My Favorite Sour Cream Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. For a quick option, you can also microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Toast For A Crowd contains roughly 939 calories, with 14g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (38% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 make this French toast ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it the night before and let it soak in the refrigerator. The next morning, simply bake it for a quick breakfast. This makes it ideal for brunch gatherings or busy mornings when you want a satisfying meal without much effort.
What can I use instead of oleo?
If you don't have oleo, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or margarine. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Just melt it before mixing with the brown sugar to ensure a smooth consistency in your sauce.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread in place of regular white bread. Just make sure the brand you choose is fresh and has a good texture to mimic traditional French toast. Follow the same steps, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free breakfast option for everyone to enjoy.
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).