Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and golden-baked bread wafting through your kitchen. What if you could create a decadent breakfast with just a toaster oven, a few simple ingredients, and a little time? Enter baked French toast—a comforting, easy-to-make dish that feels luxurious yet requires minimal effort.
Whether you’re making a quick breakfast for yourself or treating your family to a warm and sweet morning delight, toaster oven baked French toast is the perfect solution. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe and learn how to elevate your mornings!
What Is Baked French Toast?
Baked French toast is a twist on the classic stovetop version of this breakfast favorite. Instead of frying slices of bread individually, you bake them in your oven—creating a golden, fluffy texture and a rich, custardy interior.
The toaster oven makes this process even easier, eliminating the need for a full-sized oven. It’s perfect for small batches, quick cooking times, and minimal cleanup. Plus, the bread soaks up a sweet mixture of milk, eggs, and spices, resulting in a dish that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Why You’ll Love Toaster Oven Baked French Toast
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is perfect for any skill level.
- Quick Cooking Time: The toaster oven speeds up the process, making it great for busy mornings.
- Customizable: Add fruits, nuts, or syrups to create endless flavor combinations.
- Perfect for Small Spaces: No need for a full-sized oven—this recipe is ideal for toaster ovens.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The warm, sweet flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients for Toaster Oven Baked French Toast
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious breakfast treat:
| Ingredient | Purpose | Substitution Options |
| Large Egg | Creates the custard base for soaking the bread | Use egg substitute for a vegan option |
| Vanilla Extract | Adds warm, sweet flavor | Substitute with almond or maple extract |
| Brown Sugar | Sweetens the custard mixture | Use granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup |
| Ground Cinnamon | Provides a warm, spicy note | Substitute with nutmeg or pumpkin spice |
| Salt | Enhances and balances the flavors | Use a pinch of sea salt or omit entirely |
| Butter (Melted) | Adds richness and helps brown the bread | Use coconut oil or margarine for dairy-free |
| Milk | Forms the custard and softens the bread | Substitute with almond, oat, or soy milk |
| Quality Sandwich Bread | Absorbs the custard and creates texture | Use brioche, Texas toast, or challah |
How to Make Toaster Oven Baked French Toast
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Crack one large egg into a medium-sized bowl.
- Measure out the milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
- Whisk the egg until the yolk and white are fully combined.
- Add ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of packed brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a dash of salt. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
- Lay out your slices of sandwich bread (or Texas toast).
- Dip each slice into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Allow the bread to soak for a few seconds to absorb the custard.
Step 4: Preheat the Toaster Oven
- Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the toaster oven tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
- Place the soaked slices of bread onto the prepared tray, leaving space between each slice.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the French toast from the toaster oven and transfer it to plates. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Tips for Perfect Toaster Oven Baked French Toast
- Choose Quality Bread: Thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
- Don’t Oversoak the Bread: Dip the slices quickly to avoid them becoming too soggy.
- Preheat the Toaster Oven: Ensure your toaster oven is fully heated for even cooking and crispy edges.
- Flip the Bread: Flipping halfway through baking ensures both sides cook evenly.
- Add Toppings Post-Bake: Keep syrups and powdered sugar as finishing touches to avoid soggy bread.
Flavor Variations and Additions
- Fruity Twist: Add fresh berries, banana slices, or apple chunks on top before serving.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for extra texture.
- Chocolate Delight: Add chocolate chips to the custard or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Savory Option: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and add shredded cheese and herbs for a savory version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
Serving Suggestions
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a fruit salad.
- Syrups and Spreads: Serve with maple syrup, honey, or a dollop of jam.
- Hot Drinks: Pair your French toast with coffee, hot chocolate, or a cup of tea for a complete breakfast experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Thin Bread: Thin bread can become too soggy and fall apart during baking.
- Skipping the Grease: Always grease the tray to prevent sticking.
- Overcooking: Watch the bread closely to prevent it from drying out or burning.
- Not Whisking the Custard Properly: Ensure the egg, milk, and spices are well combined for even flavor.
FAQs About Toaster Oven Baked French Toast
Q1: Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes! Almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk all work beautifully in this recipe.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster oven for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the custard and soak the bread the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
Q4: Can I freeze baked French toast?
Yes! Allow the French toast to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the toaster oven for a quick breakfast.
Q5: Can I add protein to this dish?
You can serve it with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage on the side for a protein boost.
Q6: What bread works best for French toast?
Thick bread like brioche, Texas toast, or challah absorbs the custard well and bakes to a perfect texture.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Breakfast Recipe
Toaster oven baked French toast is proof that you don’t need fancy equipment or a ton of time to make a delicious, satisfying breakfast. With its golden crust, soft interior, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your toaster oven, and treat yourself to a warm, sweet start to the day. Your mornings are about to get a whole lot better!
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Toaster Oven Recipes – Baked French Toast: A Sweet and Simple Breakfast Treat
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Wake up to a warm, comforting breakfast with this easy toaster oven baked French toast recipe. Perfectly golden and infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of sweetness, this dish is the ultimate way to start your morning. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, it’s a breakfast you’ll love to make—and eat!
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk (or any non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Dash of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- 4 slices of quality sandwich bread (or Texas toast, brioche, or challah)
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a medium-sized bowl, crack one large egg and whisk it until smooth.
- Add ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a dash of salt. Whisk together until fully combined.
- Dip the Bread:
- Lay out your slices of bread. One at a time, dip each slice into the custard mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated. Let each slice soak for a few seconds to absorb the custard, but avoid oversoaking.
- Preheat the Toaster Oven:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line the toaster oven tray with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and Bake:
- Place the custard-soaked bread slices onto the prepared toaster oven tray, leaving space between each slice.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Serve Warm:
- Remove the baked French toast from the toaster oven and transfer to plates. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Bread Selection: Thicker bread like brioche, Texas toast, or challah works best as it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and milk with any non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.
- Add a Twist: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the custard for a seasonal variation.
- Reheating Instructions: Leftover French toast can be reheated in the toaster oven at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore its crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American