Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake is a delicious and easy breakfast dish that combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a baked casserole. This dish is perfect for serving a crowd and is infused with the rich flavor of vanilla beans, making it a delightful way to start the day!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf (16 oz) French bread (or brioche, cut into cubes)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped, or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, for drizzling)
• Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)
• Maple syrup (for serving, optional)

Timing

Making Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 45-50 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

1. Cube the Bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds (or paste), ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Soak

1. Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are well coated.
2. Soak: Gently press down the bread cubes to ensure they absorb the custard. For best results, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Step 5: Bake

1. Drizzle with Butter: Before baking, drizzle the melted butter over the top of the soaked bread.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 6: Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the French toast bake to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup on the side.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake (per serving, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	8g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	36g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Add Fruits: Incorporate fresh berries, sliced bananas, or diced apples into the bread mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use Different Breads: Experiment with different types of bread, such as challah or sourdough, for varying textures and flavors.
• Spice Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm spice flavor.

Conclusion

Vanilla Bean French Toast Bake is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish that is perfect for brunch or special occasions. With its rich vanilla flavor and soft, custardy texture, this bake is sure to be a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!