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To make your Classic French Toast Bake, gather these key ingredients: - 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups milk (whole or dairy-free) - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or extra milk for a lighter option) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) - 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup maple syrup (for drizzling) - Powdered sugar (for dusting) These ingredients create a rich and sweet dish that everyone loves. You can use different types of milk for this recipe. Whole milk gives a creamy texture. If you want a lighter version, try almond or oat milk. Heavy cream adds richness but you can swap it for more milk for a lower fat option. This choice keeps the flavor strong and delicious. Toppings make this dish even better! Here are a few ideas: - Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries - Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts - A sprinkle of powdered sugar for sweetness - A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce Feel free to mix and match toppings to suit your taste. This recipe is all about personal flavor. You can find the Full Recipe above for all the steps to make this delicious dish! First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a great bake. While the oven heats, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Lightly coat it with butter or non-stick spray. This helps the French toast bake not stick to the dish. Now, take your loaf of brioche or challah bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Spread these cubes evenly in the baking dish. Press them down gently so they fit snugly. Next, scatter the blueberries over the top. If you are using frozen blueberries, no need to thaw them. They will cook perfectly with the bread. In a large mixing bowl, you will mix the custard. Start by whisking together six large eggs, two cups of milk, and half a cup of heavy cream. Add in half a cup of granulated sugar, one tablespoon of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if you like. Whisk until smooth. This mixture is what makes the bread soft and rich. Now, carefully pour this custard mixture over the bread and blueberries. Ensure every piece of bread gets soaked. Use a spatula or your hands to press down gently. This helps the bread absorb all that yummy custard. For the best results, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. This resting time is key for all the flavors to mix. After this, you're ready to bake! To get the best flavor, let the bread soak in the custard. After you mix the custard, pour it over the bread and blueberries. Press down gently to ensure every piece gets wet. Cover the dish and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, leave it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all the yummy flavors. For that lovely golden top, bake your French toast bake at 350°F (175°C). Avoid opening the oven too soon, as this can cause it to sink. About 30 minutes in the oven should do the trick. If you want a deeper color, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end. Just watch it closely to avoid burning. Serve your French toast bake warm. Drizzle it with maple syrup for sweetness. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. If you want, top it with extra blueberries or a sprig of mint. This makes each plate look fancy and inviting. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for extra serving options! {{image_4}} You can make your Classic French Toast Bake even better by adding fruit. Fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches add color and flavor. In the fall, try apples or pears. Just slice the fruit and mix it into the bread. This gives a tasty burst in every bite. Adding nuts or seeds adds crunch and flavor. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well with sweet custard. You can also sprinkle in some chia seeds or sunflower seeds for a twist. Just mix them in with the bread cubes. This small change makes a big difference. Spices can change the whole taste of your bake. You can add nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for warmth. A little extra vanilla or almond extract can also brighten the flavor. Mix your chosen spices into the custard. Experiment to find your favorite blend. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy trying these fun variations! After enjoying your Classic French Toast Bake, you might have some leftovers. To store them, let the bake cool down to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, it stays fresh and tasty. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes. Just make sure it's hot all the way through. If you want to save your Classic French Toast Bake for later, freezing is a great choice. Cut the bake into squares before freezing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the oven as mentioned above. Enjoy a warm slice anytime! Yes, you can make Classic French Toast Bake ahead of time. It’s best to prepare it the night before. After mixing the bread and custard, cover the dish and chill it overnight. This lets the bread soak up the custard well. In the morning, just bake it as directed. It saves time and effort for busy mornings. Brioche and challah are the best choices for French Toast Bake. They are rich and soft. Their texture absorbs the custard well, making each bite tasty. You can use other bread types too, like sourdough or whole wheat, but they may not be as fluffy. To make Classic French Toast Bake gluten-free, choose gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty options that work well. Just follow the same steps in the Full Recipe. You may also want to check other ingredients, like milk and cream, to ensure they are gluten-free too. Classic French toast bake is easy and fun to make. We covered key ingredients, from your bread to tasty toppings. Step-by-step, you learned how to prepare, mix, and bake. Tips ensured a perfect golden top and delicious flavor. We also looked at fun variations with seasonal fruits and nuts. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, and you can make it gluten-free if needed. Enjoy making this dish for breakfast or brunch—it's sure to impress! Cooking can be a joy when you have the right tools and tips. Happy baking!

Classic French Toast Bake

Delight your family with this delicious Classic French Toast Bake! Perfect for brunch or any gathering, this easy recipe uses cubed brioche, a creamy custard, and fresh blueberries for a sweet twist. Just mix, chill, and bake for a golden, flavorful dish everyone will love. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to explore this comforting recipe and make your mornings special with a slice of heaven!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

6 large eggs

2 cups milk (whole or dairy-free)

1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with additional milk for a lighter option)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

    Arrange Bread: Evenly distribute the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish, pressing them gently to ensure they fit snugly. Scatter the blueberries evenly over the top of the bread cubes.

      Mix Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

        Combine Bread and Custard: Carefully pour the egg custard mixture over the bread and blueberries, making sure every cube of bread is well-soaked. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press down on the bread, encouraging it to absorb the sweet custard fully.

          Chill: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the mixture to rest for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, or for best results, overnight. This helps the flavors meld and the bread soak up the custard.

            Bake: When you're ready to bake, remove the foil from the dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center has puffed up.

              Cool and Serve: Once the baking time is completed, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. Serve warm, drizzling with maple syrup and lightly dusting the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.

                - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve individual portions topped with a few extra blueberries and a sprig of mint. Enjoy!