Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Serves: 3–4 people
Makes: 6–9 pieces
Skip the stovetop and use a sheet pan instead. This Sheet Pan French Toast recipe makes crispy, buttery French toast easily. Preheating the pan helps the custard-dipped bread cook perfectly. Enjoy your coffee or tea while the oven does all the work.
Ingredients
Steps to Make It
01
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.
02
Put a large rimmed sheet pan in the center of the oven and preheat it to 400°F. Once the oven reaches 400°F, leave the sheet pan in for 5 more minutes to heat up while you make the custard.
03
Crack the eggs into a wide, shallow bowl or pie dish and beat them gently with a fork or whisk. Then, add the milk, sugar, salt, and if you want, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Mix it all together and set it aside. This will be your custard mixture for the French toast recipes.
04
One by one, dip the bread slices into the custard mixture. Let each slice soak for a few seconds, then flip it to coat the other side. After each slice is soaked, place it on a separate plate. Repeat until all the bread is soaked.
05
Carefully take the hot sheet pan out of the oven. Add the butter to the pan and spread it around until it melts.
06
Place the soaked bread slices in the buttered pan, making sure they are spaced apart. Put the pan back in the oven and lower the temperature to 375°F. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bottoms of the bread are golden brown.
07
Flip each slice of bread and put the pan back in the oven. Bake for another 6 to 8 minutes, until the other side is brown. Serve right away with your favorite toppings.
What Kind of Bread Should I Use for French Toast Recipes?
- The best bread for French toast depends on the recipe. For stuffed French toast recipes or creme brûlée French toast, denser breads like brioche or challah work better because of their texture. However, for this sheet pan recipe, which is quicker and more everyday, you can use any bread you like, even a regular loaf of white or wheat bread from the store.
- The key to good French toast recipes is using slightly stale bread. Let the bread sit out overnight or use a loaf that’s a bit older. This helps the bread soak up the custard without getting soggy.
- This recipe works well with thinner store-bought bread, but if you choose a thicker bread like brioche or challah, you’ll need to bake it a few minutes longer—about 3 to 4 extra minutes per side.
Tip
Before heating the sheet pan, make sure all the bread slices will fit by laying them out first. Bread slices can vary in size, depending on the brand. If you need a second pan, heat both pans and add another tablespoon of butter to the second one.
Caramelized Sugar Sheet Pan French Toast Recipes
For a sweet, caramelized finish on your French toast recipes, try this twist:
After you add the butter to the hot sheet pan, but before placing the bread slices, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar or cinnamon sugar evenly over the buttered pan. Then, lay the soaked bread slices on top of the sugared butter and bake as usual. This will create a crispy, caramelized crust on the finished French toast recipes, giving it a brûlée-like texture.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftover French toast recipes, store the slices in a covered container or wrap them in foil. Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the slices in a skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Flip them to heat both sides and make the bread crispy again. Alternatively, you can place the slices in a toaster oven and heat them on a low setting for about 1 minute to warm them up.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for sheet pan French toast recipes?
While you can technically use any bread, the best results come from using slightly stale or day-old bread. This helps the bread absorb the custard without becoming too soggy. Bread like white, whole wheat, challah, or brioche works great. For an extra decadent French toast recipes, brioche or challah are ideal because they are denser and soak up the custard without falling apart. If using store-bought white bread, make sure it’s at least a day old to prevent it from turning too mushy during baking.
How do I prepare the bread for sheet pan French toast recipes?
To prepare the bread, slice it into even pieces, typically about 1 inch thick. Let the slices sit out for a few hours or overnight to dry out slightly (this prevents sogginess). Once dried, dip each slice into the custard mixture (made of eggs, milk, sugar, and spices), allowing the bread to soak up the custard for several seconds on both sides. Avoid letting it sit too long, as it can absorb too much liquid and become too soggy.
Do I need to preheat the sheet pan?
Yes, preheating the sheet pan is essential for getting that crispy, golden crust on the bottom of the bread. By placing the pan in the oven while it’s preheating, the bread slices hit a hot surface, which helps sear them and creates a nice texture. This method mimics the crisping you’d get from a skillet, without the need to flip each slice.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can make sheet pan French toast recipes without eggs by using egg substitutes. For instance, a mixture of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with water can replace eggs and provide a similar texture. You could also use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a commercially available egg replacer. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can replace the milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Can I add toppings to the French toast recipes before baking?
Absolutely! To add extra flavor and texture, you can sprinkle cinnamon sugar or regular granulated sugar over the bread slices before baking. This will help create a sweet, caramelized crust similar to a crème brûlée finish. You could also add a few dollops of cream cheese, chocolate chips, or fresh berries between the slices for a more decadent twist.
How do I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy French toast recipes, it’s crucial to use slightly stale bread, which holds up better when soaked in the custard. Allow the bread to sit out for several hours or overnight to dry out a bit. When dipping the bread, don’t let it sit too long in the custard; a few seconds on each side is sufficient for soaking without making it too soggy. You can also bake the French toast immediately after assembling it to prevent the bread from absorbing too much liquid.
How long should I bake sheet pan French toast?
Typically, sheet pan French toast recipes takes around 15-20 minutes to bake, depending on the thickness of the bread and your oven. Start by baking it with the first side down for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp. After flipping the bread, bake for another 6-8 minutes on the other side to get it golden and evenly cooked.
Can I make sheet pan French toast recipes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture and soak the bread overnight. Simply cover the assembled pan and refrigerate it. The bread will soak up the custard overnight, and in the morning, you can pop it in the oven for a quick breakfast. This makes the recipe perfect for busy mornings or meal prepping for the week.
How do I reheat leftover sheet pan French toast?
To reheat leftover sheet pan French toast recipes, you can warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping it to crisp up both sides. Alternatively, place the slices in a toaster oven or regular oven on a low setting (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes, or until warm and crispy again. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it will make the bread soggy.
What type of pan is best for sheet pan French toast recipes?
A standard 18×13-inch rimmed sheet pan is ideal for sheet pan French toast recipes. The rimmed edges prevent any custard or butter from spilling over. You want a large enough surface area to fit the bread slices without overcrowding, which ensures even cooking. If you don’t have this size, you can use a smaller pan, but the cooking time may vary.
Can I use dairy-free milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute any dairy-free milk for regular milk. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are great choices. If you’re using a sweetened plant-based milk, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the custard mixture to prevent it from becoming too sweet.
How can I make sheet pan French toast more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor of your sheet pan French toast recipes by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the custard mixture. For added richness, you could use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. If you like a citrusy touch, try adding a little orange zest to the custard.
Can I make sheet pan French toast in a smaller pan?
Yes, if you have a smaller sheet pan, you can adjust the recipe accordingly. Simply cut the amount of bread and custard mixture down to fit the smaller pan. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and depth of the pan, so be sure to check the toast as it bakes.
Can I freeze sheet pan French toast?
Yes, you can freeze cooked French toast. Once it has cooled, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or foil, and store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast. Freezing works well for meal prepping or making large batches.
Is sheet pan French toast healthier than regular French toast?
Sheet pan French toast can be healthier if you choose whole grain bread, use less sugar, and control the butter amount. Baking the French toast recipes instead of frying it reduces the amount of fat and calories, making it a lighter alternative to the traditional stovetop method.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can omit butter if you prefer a lower-fat version. You can use a non-dairy butter substitute or simply use cooking spray to grease the pan. If you skip the butter, however, you may not get the same crispy texture on the bottom of the bread.
How do I know when my sheet pan French toast is done?
The French toast recipes is ready when both sides are golden brown and crispy. You can check the center by cutting it into one piece. If the custard has set and there is no wetness, the French toast is done. You should also see a slight puffing of the bread, indicating that it’s fully cooked.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re serving a large group. Simply use two sheet pans and make sure to preheat both pans before placing the bread on them. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the French toast as it cooks.
What can I serve with sheet pan French toast?
Sheet pan French toast recipes is versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings. Popular choices include maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. For a more indulgent breakfast, add a side of bacon or sausage for a savory contrast.
