Make Ahead French Toast Recipe

French bread: A fresh loaf of sliced French bread is the base for this recipe, providing a sturdy yet soft texture.

Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and give the French toast its rich, custardy texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create the custard mixture.

Heavy cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the custard.

Sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture and balances the flavors.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and enhances the overall flavor.

Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness.

Nutmeg: Optional, but adds a subtle, earthy spice.

Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

When preparing this make-ahead French toast, ensure that the bread slices are evenly coated with the egg mixture. To achieve this, gently press down on the bread after pouring the mixture to help it absorb the liquid. This will result in a more uniform texture and flavor throughout the dish.

• sliced french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, providing a similar texture and flavor profile to french bread.

• sliced french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a soft texture, making it a great alternative for french toast.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Blend ¼ cup silken tofu per egg. It provides a similar consistency and is a good protein source.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in french toast recipes.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy texture and neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for regular milk.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is rich and thick, providing a similar texture to heavy cream with a slight coconut flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream is a dairy-free option that mimics the richness of heavy cream.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and can be used in place of sugar.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but pleasant flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract provides a sweet, rich flavor that works well in french toast.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding a warm, complex flavor.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground cardamom: Cardamom has a unique, aromatic flavor that can be a delightful twist.

• nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm, spicy flavor and can be used in place of nutmeg.

• nutmeg - Substitute with cloves: Ground cloves provide a strong, warm flavor that can replace nutmeg in small quantities.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a slightly different mineral content but works the same way in recipes.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains but can be used in the same amount as regular salt.

• To store your make ahead French toast in the refrigerator, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, first let the French toast cool completely. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the slices are frozen solid.

• Once the slices are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Be sure to label the bag with the date. The French toast can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy your French toast, you can reheat it directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen slices on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the slices in a toaster oven or even a regular toaster for a quicker option. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

• If you prefer to use the microwave, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. This method may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.

• For an extra touch of flavor, consider sprinkling a bit of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top before reheating. You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the taste.

• If you have leftover French toast that has already been topped with fresh fruits or syrup, it's best to consume it within a day or two. The toppings can make the bread soggy if stored for too long.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover French toast on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a slice or two of French toast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the French toast directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes or until warmed and slightly crispy.

• For an extra indulgent touch, reheat in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the French toast slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and slightly crispy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast slices in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Baking dish: A large, shallow dish used to arrange and bake the french toast, ensuring even cooking.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

• Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients smoothly and incorporate air into the mixture.

• Measuring cups: Tools used to measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt precisely.

• Refrigerator: An appliance used to chill the prepared dish overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the liquid.

• Oven: An appliance preheated to 350°F (175°C) used to bake the french toast until it is golden brown.

• Aluminum foil or plastic wrap: Used to cover the baking dish while it is in the refrigerator overnight.

• Spatula: A tool used to serve the warm french toast without breaking it apart.

• Serving plate: A plate used to present the french toast with your favorite toppings.

Prepare the custard mix ahead: Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt the night before and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by using a pre-sliced loaf of French bread instead of slicing it yourself.

Grease the dish in advance: Grease the baking dish ahead of time to streamline the assembly process.

Refrigerate overnight: Let the bread soak in the custard mixture overnight to save time in the morning and enhance flavor.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare your toppings to ensure it’s ready when you are.