Do you know that morning? The ones where you wake up craving something warm, comforting, and a little bit special, but the ones that you can’t get out of. What is it like to stand over a hot stove flipping individual slices of French toast? What should I do if I hit the snooze button for another hour? Yeah, I’ve been there. So many times. My kids, bless their little hearts, are obsessed with French toast, but honestly, the sheer amount of french toast that I have is amazing. I always felt like I needed a vacation, but sometimes I feel like it’s just me. After breakfast. When I stumbled upon a method for making French toast entirely on tin foil, it felt like sucking up. Is it like a revelation? No more individual flipping, no more greasy splatter all over the stovetop, and best of all, a whole whole stove top! What are some of the best pans of golden custard ready to go? Is it really like magic, but it’s actually just smart cooking? If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could have that café-style French toast experience without having to go to a cafe, why? If you like French toast, then you are going to love this Sheet Pan toast. Is it a game changer?
What is a sheet pan French toast?
What exactly is this magical sheet pan french toast? Think of it as your classic, beloved French toast, but scaled up and streamlined for maximum ease. What is the best way to clean Instead of dipping bread slices into egg mixture and then pan-frying them, we’re using a frying pan instead. How do you bake a French toast casserole on tin foil? You arrange slices of your favorite bread (brioche is my absolute go-to here, but challah or even a small piece of bread would be perfect) and serve them together. Is it possible to bake white bread in one layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet? How do you pour a custardy egg mixture over the top? What is the beauty of this method is that the custard permeates the bread beautifully, giving you that delicious taste. Perfect balance of soft, eggy interior and slightly crisp edges. What’s essentially taking a labor-intensive breakfast favorite and transforming it into something you can eat? Can prep ahead and bake all at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself. Without the kitchen chaos.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin with why this Sheet Pan French toast is a total winner? First off, the flavor is just incredible. It bakes up golden brown and perfectly custardy, with those irresistible caramelized edges that we all love. The custard soak is rich and infused with cinnamon and vanilla, creating a warm, comforting aroma that fills the house. But beyond the amazing taste, the sheer simplicity is what really won me over. I mean, we’re talking minimal active cooking time. You mix the batter, arrange the bread, pour the batter, and bake. That’s it! It’s a lifesaver on busy weekend mornings when everyone’s hungry at different times, or even on a school day if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly, using staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. And talk about versatile! You can customize the bread, the spices, and especially the toppings. It’s perfect for a holiday brunch, a casual family breakfast, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. Compared to making traditional French toast, this sheet pan version drastically cuts down on cleanup – usually just one baking sheet and a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen superhero, serving up something impressive with minimal effort. What I love most about this is that it delivers all the comfort and deliciousness of classic French toast without any of the fuss, making it a regular in my recipe rotation.
How do you make sheet pan french toast?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Sheet Pan French toast? How do you make custard? Pour it over bread and bake for 10 minutes. If you like to bake, bake until golden and puffed. What is the best way to make custard in the oven? This method ensures even cooking and that perfect eggy, custardy texture throughout. Is it ideal for mornings when you want something special without a lot of fuss, and the cleanup is an easy one? What is an absolute dream
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What are some examples?
6 large eggs: These are the backbone of our custard, giving the French Toast its rich, eggy texture. I always use large eggs. What is the best custard consistency? Make sure they’re at room temperature if you can, it helps them blend more smoothly.
Is 2% milk better than whole milk? Is almond milk or oat milk dairy free? Is skim milk too watery?
1/4 cup granulated sugar: This adds just a touch of sweetness to the custard itself. How sweet you like your French toast? For balancing the flavors.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is key for that warm, cozy French toast flavor. Don’t be shy with it! Freshly ground cinnamon has a more intense flavor, but pre-ground is perfectly fine too.
What is vanilla extract? 1 teaspoon: 1 tablespoon: What is the difference between sweetness and aroma?
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional): What is the flavor of cinnamon? I love it, but it’s optional if you’re not a fan.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and makes all the other flavors pop.
1 loaf of bread (about 10-12 slices, 1-inch thick): Is Brioche or challah good for custard? Can you use Italian bread for a quick soaking? Slightly stale bread is actually best as it absorbs more custard without getting mushy.
For the Filling:
1/2 cup berries (fresh or frozen): Blueberries, raspberries or sliced strawberries are fantastic. If using frozen, you don’t need to thaw them first. They’ll cook down a bit and release their juices into the bread.
1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts): For a nice crunch and added flavor. Can you toast them before adding them?
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar: This is the base for our simple glaze.
2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream: 1 tablespoon per serving. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. For an extra rich glaze, use heavy cream!
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Just a touch to boost the flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get my oven to preheat to 375°F? This temperature is perfect for getting a perfectly golden and cooked-through French toast without compromising on flavor. What is the best way to bake a loaf? Line an 8-inch baking sheet with parchment. This is a non-negotiable step for me; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease and flour the pan, but parchment is truly yours. Best friend here.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. How do you spread the spices and sugar evenly in a custard? If you just dumped them into the wet ingredients, you might end up with pockets of unsweetened or uncooked food. What do you think about overly spiced batter? A good whisking here sets the stage for a perfectly flavored French toast.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Now, in the same bowl (because who wants more dishes? ), whisk the eggs until they’re nicely beaten and there are no streaks of whites or yolks visible. How do I mix milk and vanilla extract? Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. I like to use a whisk for this to really incorporate air, which helps to create lighter custard. Make sure the mixture is homogenous; you want every bite to be equally delicious.
Step 4: Combine
In a bowl, whisk the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients together until well combined. Pour the mixture into the bowl and whisk until smooth. Everything is fully incorporated. What you want is a smooth, even batter. Be careful not to overmix, especially if you’re using a flour-based mixture, but for this custard, use only flour. What is the key to a good blend? Is the consistency like a thin pancake batter?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
If you’re adding berries and nuts, get them ready. If using larger berries like strawberries, slice them into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen berries, no need to thaw – just have them ready to sprinkle. If you’re using nuts, give them a quick chop.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Arrange your bread slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re in a single layer and not spread out. How do I avoid overlapping too much If you like, you can sprinkle your fruit and nut mixture evenly over the bread slices at this point. How do you stir custard into a cup? I often find that sprinkling them on top of the bread before the custard soak works well, or both. How do you spread custard evenly over a baking dish? Some people like to swirl the fruit into the custard itself before pouring, which is a good idea. What are some fun ways to create a marbled effect?
Step 7: Bake
Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure to get into all the crumbs. What are nooks and cra Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the delicious custard. If you have a preheated oven, pop the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed, golden brown on top, and set in the oven. Is it possible to check for doneness by gently pressing the center of the pen? If the tops start to get too brown before the center is cooked, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once baked, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. While it’s cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of salt. Add the dry ingredients and stir until combined. In a small bowl, place 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Stir well. Add more milk, a teaspoon at .50 per cup, until thick enough to coat. Is it thin enough to drizzle? Once the French toast has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. It hardens slightly as it cools, creating a lovely finish.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Using a sharp knife or spatula, carefully cut the sheet pan French toast into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately while it’s warm and delicious! It’s fantastic on its own, but even better with a dusting of powdered sugar, extra fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream.
What should I serve it with?
This sheet pan French toast is so versatile, it truly fits into any meal or occasion. I love serving this breakfast with a side of fresh fruit. What are some good bananas to serve with a cup of coffee? Is it healthy enough to eat for lunch? For a more festive weekend brunch, I’ll elevate it with bacon or sausage, and maybe some mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. What makes iced tea so special? If you are craving sweets for dessert, this is a great option. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it over the top. What are some of the best snacks to eat? Just a slice of bread with ice cold milk can be comforting on chilly afternoons. My family loves it with a smear of peanut butter or almond butter on top for extra protein. Honestly, the possibilities are endless, and it always feels like a treat, no matter how you serve.
How do I make a perfect French toast?
I’ve made this sheet pan French toast countless times, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make it shine. First, about the bread: don’t shy away from using bread that’s a day or two old. Slightly stale bread is porous and will absorb the custard beautifully without becoming soggy. If your bread is super fresh and soft, I recommend toasting it lightly in the oven for about 5-7 minutes before you start assembling. For the custard mixture, whisking the eggs thoroughly is key – you want them fully beaten to create that smooth, luxurious texture. And don’t skimp on the cinnamon and vanilla; they really are the stars of the show here. When pouring the custard over the bread, make sure to get an even coating across all slices. If some pieces look a bit dry, gently tilt the pan to redistribute the custard. Letting the bread soak for at least 5 minutes before baking is crucial; this allows the custard to penetrate fully, ensuring that perfectly moist center. If you like fruit and nuts, distributing them evenly over the bread before baking helps them integrate nicely. For baking, keep an eye on it! Ovens can vary, so the 20-25 minute timeframe is a guideline. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and a set center. If the top is browning too quickly, a loose tent of foil will save the day. When it comes to the glaze, the consistency is everything. Start with less liquid and add more gradually until it’s easily drizzle-able. Too thick and it’ll be clumpy; too thin and it’ll just run off. A good tip for swirl customization if you’re feeling artsy is to reserve a little bit of the custard, mix a drop of food coloring or cocoa powder into it, and then drizzle that onto the top before baking for a fun pattern. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with spice variations! A pinch of cardamom or ginger can add an interesting twist.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
This sheet pan French toast is a dream because it stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. If you have any deliciousness left over, let it cool completely before storing. At room temperature, it’s best to consume it within a couple of hours; anything longer and it’s safer to refrigerate. For refrigerator storage, I like to cut the remaining French toast into individual portions and place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. The quality is usually still pretty good, though it might lose a little bit of its initial crispiness. If you want to freeze it, that’s totally doable! I wrap individual portions securely in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, the best way to bring back that lovely texture is in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps to re-crisp the edges. If you’re in a real pinch, you can microwave it, but be aware it will become softer and chewier. For the glaze, I usually recommend adding it just before serving after reheating, as it can sometimes get sticky or melt unevenly with prolonged storage, especially in the freezer. If you store it glazed, just be prepared for a slightly different texture.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about this sheet pan French toast. It has completely changed how I approach weekend breakfasts and even weeknight treats. It’s the perfect blend of comforting, classic flavor and modern, time-saving convenience. The way the custard soaks into the bread, creating that custardy interior and caramelized exterior, is just pure bliss. Plus, the minimal cleanup is an absolute dream for anyone who loves delicious food but dislikes the mountain of dishes that often comes with it. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes or my Easy Baked Oatmeal – they’re also big on flavor and easy on the effort! Give this sheet pan French toast a try; I promise you won’t regret it. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone happy at the breakfast table. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you tried it and what your favorite toppings were!
Sheet Pan French Toast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 slices bread thick-cut, like brioche or challah
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter melted, for greasing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking sheet with melted butter.
- Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring each slice is well coated. Let it soak for about 5 minutes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. Flip halfway through if desired for even browning.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
