Savory French Toast Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Savory French Toast Bake is a delicious twist on classic French toast, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Layered with rich Gruyere cheese, Dijon mustard, and fresh chives, it offers a flavorful and comforting start to your day.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (8 ounces) day-old French bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 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
• 1-1/2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Arrange half of the bread slices in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of the minced chives.
2. Step 2: Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Layer the remaining bread slices on top, then pour the rest of the egg mixture over them. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese on top. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.
3. Step 3: Remove the dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 50–55 minutes, until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Step 4: Let the bake stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with the remaining minced chives before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra layer of flavor, add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms between the layers.
• Substitute mozzarella or cheddar cheese if Gruyere or Swiss isn’t available.
• Use fresh bread if day-old isn’t on hand, but slightly dry it out in the oven for a few minutes first to absorb the custard better.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce to complement the savory flavors.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. This bake can also be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this French toast bake without overnight refrigeration?

While refrigerating overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture for a custardy texture, you can let it soak for at least 1 hour at room temperature if you’re short on time.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, any sturdy bread like sourdough, baguette, or challah works well. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or dried out so it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.

Savory French Toast Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 90 reviews

This Savory French Toast Bake is a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring layers of day-old French bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs. Topped with melted Gruyere or Swiss cheese and baked until golden and custardy, it makes a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 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 and custard mixture: Arrange half of the sliced bread in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, 2% milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of the minced chives until well combined.
2. Layer and soak: Pour half of the egg custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over this layer. Then, place the remaining bread slices on top, pour over the rest of the egg mixture, and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly.
3. Bake the casserole: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the uncovered dish for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and bubbly.
4. Rest and garnish: Let the French toast bake stand for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set further. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of minced chives on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Using day-old bread is essential as it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
• This bake can be prepared the night before, making it ideal for busy mornings or special brunch occasions.
• If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, Gruyere is recommended over Swiss.
• Feel free to add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier variation.
• Make sure not to skip the rest time after baking to avoid slicing issues.

Keywords: Savory French Toast Bake, French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Bake, Gruyere Cheese Bake, Make-Ahead Breakfast