Savory French Toast Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/savory-french-toast-bake-recipe/
