Remember when I redid my post on Spinach Quiche a couple weeks ago? Well, I’m at it again. But I promise this is the last re-do for awhile. Brand spanking new content is on the way.
By the way, sorry I’ve been MIA this week. I’ve been working on a couple freelance design projects. Not only have I neglected the blog, but I’ve neglected dinner. We’ve been ordering pizza or scrambling eggs every night. Don’t judge. This week will probably be no better. I’ll be spending the week at the HOW Design Conference.
Enough about work. Let’s talk about Baked French Toast. It’s a classy breakfast casserole in my book, if you can even call it a casserole. It’s wonderfully versatile. The best part about baked french toast—you prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning. I don’t know about you, but I’m not much of a morning person. The less work I have to do in the AM, the better. How do all you mom’s do it? I can barely get myself out of the door in the morning. Needless to say, baked french toast makes my mornings easier. And on the weekends, it lets me sleep in longer. Baked French Toast, I love you.
This recipe has a simple nutty orange flavor. I am a little obsessed with orange right now. I think it may be the new lemon. May I suggest that you serve it with 100% pure maple syrup? I made the switch a couple years ago. Once you go pure, you’ll never go back. And yes, that is a Coke bottle I’m serving the syrup in. It’s time invest in a syrup dispenser.
1/2 loaf of thick, hearty whole wheat bread cut in large cubes (about 2 cups)
small hand full of crushed pecans (about 1/3 c.)
3 c. of milk
4 eggs
2 tbsp. butter, melted
1 tbsp. turbinado
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. of vanilla extract
zest of half an orange
juice of half an orange
dash of sea salt
Instructions
Prep the night before serving. Cut bread and place in an 11 x 7 baking dish. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
Whisk together milk, eggs, butter, turbinado, cinnamon, vanilla, zest, juice, and salt in a separate bowl.
Pour mixture over bread. It should almost cover bread.
Cover and let sit and soak overnight in fridge.
Morning of, preheat oven to 425°. Sprinkle top with a pinch of turbinado. Bake for 30 minutes or until liquid is set. Cover with foil after 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Enjoy with warmed 100% pure maple syrup.
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Can you believe it – I’ve never made baked French toast! I love that you can make this ahead of time. AND I would totally enjoy this with pure maple syrup. Bookmarked!
THIS LOOKS AMAZING!!! I have never thought about baking french toast, but have had a french toast casserole before… looks great! ~ nerdwithtaste.wordpress.com
Haha! I love it! Tell him thanks for taking one for the team 😉 . Just wanted to let you know how much that meant to me! You made my day and paid it forward to one very undeserving recipient. Thanks so much Mary!!! You are sooo thoughtful!
I made something very similar last weekend – a bread pudding made from leftover cornbread. As I was making it, I was thinking, “Hey, this is just like French toast, except it’s going in the oven.” A little maple syrup on top… pure bliss. 🙂
I have been craving french toast for a few weeks now. I think I might make this instead! P.S. My mom stores maple syrup in an old Crown Royal bottle. It makes it look fancy-schmancy and very regal! The only trouble is you have to drink an entire bottle of Crown Royal to get the empty bottle (which is why my maple syrup is in an old peanut butter jar….).
Can you believe it – I’ve never made baked French toast! I love that you can make this ahead of time. AND I would totally enjoy this with pure maple syrup. Bookmarked!
THIS LOOKS AMAZING!!! I have never thought about baking french toast, but have had a french toast casserole before… looks great! ~ nerdwithtaste.wordpress.com
Melissa, I’m glad you rec’d the CR bottle in one piece. I didn’t mention, Les took on the ‘chore’ to empty it! LOL Mary
Haha! I love it! Tell him thanks for taking one for the team 😉 . Just wanted to let you know how much that meant to me! You made my day and paid it forward to one very undeserving recipient. Thanks so much Mary!!! You are sooo thoughtful!
Oh my, that looks incredible. I love that you used whole wheat bread (my favorite). And you can make it ahead of time? Sold.
Ha! I was going to post about Baked French Toast this week! And scrambled eggs are our ‘go to’ busy-night dinner!
I’m a FB liker…another good reason for me to spend too much time there!
I made something very similar last weekend – a bread pudding made from leftover cornbread. As I was making it, I was thinking, “Hey, this is just like French toast, except it’s going in the oven.” A little maple syrup on top… pure bliss. 🙂
I have been craving french toast for a few weeks now. I think I might make this instead!
P.S. My mom stores maple syrup in an old Crown Royal bottle. It makes it look fancy-schmancy and very regal! The only trouble is you have to drink an entire bottle of Crown Royal to get the empty bottle (which is why my maple syrup is in an old peanut butter jar….).
Oh man, that is fancy! and pretty! I want one of those bottles.
Looks wonderful. Bet the pecans really make it.