Crunchy Oven French Toast Recipe ๐๐
Overview
This Crunchy Oven French Toast is a delightful breakfast option that combines ease of preparation with a tantalizing crunch in every bite. Perfect for both busy weekday mornings and leisurely weekend brunches, this recipe offers a balance of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Plus, it’s a healthier twist on the classic French toast, making it an ideal choice for those looking to start their day on a nutritious note. With minimal last-minute preparation required, this dish is also a fantastic option for entertaining guests, allowing you to impress without the stress. You can even prepare it ahead of time and freeze it for up to two weeks, making it a convenient option for meal planning. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible Crunchy Oven French Toast!
Recipe Details
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 1 hour (includes freezing time)
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups crushed cereal (for added crunch!)
- 8 slices of bread
- Strawberry syrup (for serving)
- Fresh strawberries (for serving)
- Whipped topping (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
- Start by greasing a 15x10x1-inch baking pan, ensuring that the French toast won’t stick during baking.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a shallow bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix the ingredients well until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful base for dipping the bread slices.
3. Coat the Bread Slices
- Place the crushed cereal in another shallow bowl, creating a coating that will add a satisfying crunch to the French toast.
- Dip each bread slice, one at a time, into the egg mixture, ensuring that it’s fully soaked and coated on both sides.
- After dipping in the egg mixture, coat each bread slice evenly with the crushed cereal, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface.
4. Freeze the French Toast
- Arrange the coated bread slices in a single layer in the greased baking pan, covering it once all slices are in place.
- Place the pan in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, or until the French toast slices are firm and ready for baking.
5. Preheat the Oven
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that it’s hot and ready to crisp up the French toast to perfection.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Remove the pan from the freezer and place it directly into the preheated oven.
- Bake the French toast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown color, remembering to turn the slices once during baking to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, remove the Crunchy Oven French Toast from the oven and serve it immediately.
- Drizzle each slice with strawberry syrup and top with fresh strawberries for a burst of fruity flavor.
- For an extra indulgent touch, garnish with whipped topping if desired, adding a creamy finish to this delightful breakfast treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 293.9
- Total Fat: 7.3g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2g
- Cholesterol: 90.5mg
- Sodium: 577mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.2g
- Sugar: 4.7g
- Protein: 9.6g
Keywords
Healthy, Weeknight, Less than 4 Hours, Easy
Tips and Variations
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the Crunchy Oven French Toast ahead of time and freeze it for up to two weeks. Simply reheat in the oven or toaster for a quick and convenient breakfast option.
- Customize the Toppings: Get creative with your toppings by swapping out the strawberry syrup and fresh strawberries for your favorite fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread and cereal to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Conclusion
With its irresistible crunch, creamy interior, and burst of fruity sweetness, this Crunchy Oven French Toast is sure to become a breakfast favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy morning at home, this recipe offers a delicious way to start your day on the right note. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a breakfast delight that’s both easy and oh-so-satisfying!
