I hadn’t had Baked French Toast in a long time. Years ago, on special occasions, I would buy the 99 cent loaf of french bread at the grocery store and make a pan. But since going gluten-free, I haven’t ever had a bread that would hold up well to make Baked French Toast. Until now.
Last week I shared with you my favorite new bread recipe, the recipe for gluten free Millet Sandwich Bread. From the reviews and comments left on that recipe and on my Facebook page this past week, I think you guys like this bread as much as I do. I’ve heard so many great responses from this recipe, and people have been having great success with it, even baking it in a bread machine and making it free from other allergens. But, I wanted to do more than just tell you that this bread is great, I want to show you. So, I baked up a few loaves to play with. I know this bread toasts up beautifully (my Mom has told me that quite often, she loves her morning toast). I also know that it makes beautiful Bread Stuffing, as evident from THIS recipe. But, what else could I do to show you that this is a great loaf to have on hand? I decided to try to try my hand at some Make Ahead Baked French Toast. This would require the bread to soak in an egg and milk mixture for a few hours before being baked. But, would it hold up or become a mushy mess?
It held up beautifully! It baked up as good as any gluten-filled bread would. The Baked French Toast turned nice and crisp around the outside, but stayed nice and soft – not mushy- in the middle. I let the bread soak for about 3 hours before baking, I’m sure the results would be the same if it soaked overnight too, if you wanted to prepare it the night before.
So, do I think you should make this loaf? Definitely! Give it a try, even if you haven’t had great success baking bread in the past. It is a really easy recipe that yields a fantastic loaf of bread that can be used for toast, sandwiches, or even Make Ahead Baked French Toast.
Make Ahead Baked French Toast
This is a wonderful Baked French Toast that isn't too sweet. If you're not a fan of apples, try using pears, peaches, or even blueberries. The nuts can be omitted or substituted as well. Use what you have on hand to make the recipe your own. I found dried fruit wasn't a good choice as a topper, since it gets hard once baked.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter (to grease dish)
- 6 1-inch slices Millet Sandwich Bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (I used 1%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (half-and-half would work too)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 apple, peeled and sliced
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the butter.
Place bread slices in the baking dish in a single layer.
Beat together the eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread slices so that all the bread has been moistened. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Just before baking, mix together the apple, pecans, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Dot the top of the bread with this mixture.
Bake French Toast uncovered in a 350 degree F oven for 40 minutes, or until the mixture is set and the bread is no longer wet.
Let French Bread sit for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a side of fruit and cheese for a wonderful meal.
Cindy ~Hun... What's for Dinner? says
Oh MY! This french toast looks amazing Jeanine. I can just smell the apple and cinnamon.
Jeanine Friesen says
Thanks, Cindy! We loved it, not too sweet like some baked french toast recipes I’ve tried.
Wild Child says
You read my mind! I MUST make this now. I’ve decided I’m moving next door to you, just so I’ll have a cooking/baking partner in crime. Bringing the maple syrup right over… =]
Jeanine Friesen says
Oh, the fun we could have Wild Child! 🙂
Robyn says
Thanks, Jeanine! I love the idea of baking instead of standing over the stove flipping. Would like to do this with pancakes too.
Jeanine Friesen says
Thanks, Robyn! My way of making a lot of pancakes at once is to make them into pancake muffins. 😉 they can be made ahead & reheated as needed! http://www.thebakingbeauties.com/2013/09/gluten-free-pancake-muffins.html
Kate says
So yummy. I made the millet bread you suggested and this recipe worked out great. One thing i did add was a pinch of salt to balance out all the flavors.
Jeanine Friesen says
Wonderful! Thanks for the feedback, Kate!
Nancy says
Can this be made the night before?
Jeanine says
Absolutely, Nancy!