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Savory French Toast Bake Recipe

Savory French Toast Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 25 reviews

This Savory French Toast Bake is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, combining day-old French bread with a rich custard of eggs, milk, and Dijon mustard, layered with Gruyere cheese and fresh chives. Perfect for overnight preparation, it bakes into a creamy, flavorful casserole that’s ideal for brunch or a comforting breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 1 loaf (8 ounces) day-old French bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices

Custard Mixture

  • 6 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup minced chives, divided

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Arrange half of the 1/2-inch slices of day-old French bread in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish to create the first layer of the casserole.
  2. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 6 beaten large eggs, 2 cups 2% milk, 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 cup of the minced chives until well combined.
  3. Assemble the First Layer: Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread slices in the baking dish, ensuring even coverage, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese on top.
  4. Add Second Layer: Arrange the remaining bread slices over the first layer, then pour over the remaining custard mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top to finish the layering.
  5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture fully.
  6. Preheat and Prepare to Bake: Remove the dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s cooked through.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Let the French toast bake stand for 10 minutes after baking for easier slicing. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup minced chives over the top for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Using day-old French bread helps it absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
  • Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy depth but can be adjusted or omitted to suit taste preferences.
  • Gruyere cheese offers a rich, nutty flavor; Swiss cheese is a milder alternative.
  • Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and the bread to soak properly.
  • Letting the dish rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
  • This dish can be prepared in advance and is great for feeding a crowd.

Nutrition

Keywords: savory French toast bake, brunch casserole, Gruyere French toast, overnight French toast, baked French toast, savory breakfast bake

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/savory-french-toast-bake-recipe/