Baked Challah French Toast

Baked Challah French Toast is a delightful and indulgent twist on a classic breakfast dish, transforming the humble French toast into a luxurious and satisfying meal. This dish is not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, showcasing the beautiful, golden-brown crust of the challah bread, puffed up and caramelized to perfection.

At the core of this culinary creation is the challah bread, a traditional Jewish braided loaf known for its rich, slightly sweet flavor and airy, tender crumb. The use of challah in this French toast recipe elevates it from the ordinary, as the bread’s eggy composition and soft texture make it an ideal canvas for the rich custard mixture. Each slice of challah, cut into generous thickness, absorbs the custard, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

The custard, a vital component of this dish, is a silky blend of eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream, whisked together with granulated sugar for a touch of sweetness. The addition of vanilla extract infuses the custard with a warm, aromatic essence, while a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg lend a subtle spiciness, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. This mixture, once poured over the challah slices, seeps into every pore and crevice of the bread, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavorful.

As the dish bakes, a magical transformation occurs. The top layer of the challah caramelizes into a crispy, golden crust, offering a delightful textural contrast to the soft, custard-soaked interior. The edges of the bread become slightly crunchy, providing a pleasant counterpoint to the creamy center. This interplay of textures makes each bite a culinary adventure – a journey through layers of soft, rich custard and crisp, buttery bread.

One of the charms of this baked Challah French Toast is its versatility and ease of preparation. It can be assembled the night before and left to soak in the refrigerator, making it a perfect choice for a stress-free, yet impressive, breakfast or brunch. In the morning, a simple bake in the oven awakens the flavors and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, drawing everyone to the table in anticipation.

When served, this French toast is a vision of elegance and comfort. It can be sliced and plated like a traditional loaf, or served family-style, allowing everyone to pull apart their desired portion. A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness, complementing the rich custard and enhancing the subtle flavors of the challah. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, decorative touch, while fresh berries or fruit provide a burst of freshness, cutting through the richness and adding a pop of color.

In every serving of this baked Challah French Toast, there is a sense of indulgence and satisfaction. It’s a dish that not only comforts but also impresses, striking a perfect balance between simplicity and decadence. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning, a festive brunch, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to delight and satisfy, leaving everyone at the table longing for just one more slice.

Baked Challah French Toast

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Baked Challah French Toast is a sumptuous and elegant breakfast dish, where thick slices of rich, eggy challah bread are soaked in a sweet, spiced custard, then baked to golden perfection, resulting in a delightfully crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior, perfect for a luxurious brunch.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of challah bread

• 6 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• for greasing, butter

• for serving, maple syrup

• for garnish, powdered sugar

Directions

• Prepare the Bread:
  If the challah isn’t already sliced, cut it into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in a buttered loaf pan, standing them up.
• Make the Custard Mixture:
  In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture over the challah slices in the pan. Try to cover all the slices, and gently press down to help the bread absorb the custard. Let the bread soak for about 15 minutes before baking.
• Preheat the Oven:
  When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Bake the French Toast:
  Bake for 45 minutes, or until the French toast is puffed up and golden brown on top.
• Serve:
  Let the baked French toast cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. Serve each slice with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.