Chef and baker Kristen Hoffman, creator of the recipe blog Baker Bettie, has shared a method for making French toast that guarantees a crispy exterior and a fluffy, custard-like interior. The technique involves baking the bread in the oven on a pre-heated sheet pan rather than using a frying pan.
The Problem with Traditional French Toast
Many home cooks avoid making French toast due to the common issue of sogginess. Even when kept warm in the oven, the dish can turn out flat and wet. Hoffman's approach aims to solve this by using high heat to sear the bread immediately.
The Key: A Roaring Hot Baking Tray
Hoffman emphasizes that the secret is to preheat a baking tray in the oven at 230°C (210°C Fan/Gas Mark 8) for at least 20 minutes. This ensures that when the soaked bread touches the tray, it sizzles and begins to crisp up right away.
“Not only does this technique give you the most perfect texture for French toast, but it also ensures that your entire batch is finished all at once, so you can sit down with your family or guests and eat together,” Hoffman said. “This perfect and easy French toast technique is also incredibly fast.”
Ingredients and Step-by-Step Instructions
The recipe makes eight slices and requires two eggs, half a cup of milk, half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and eight pieces of brioche bread. Optionally, a pinch of cinnamon can be added.
To prepare, position the oven rack in the middle and place a baking tray inside. Preheat to 230°C. Let the tray heat for at least 20 minutes. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Once the tray is hot, remove it carefully using an oven mitt, coat generously with non-stick spray, dip each bread slice in the egg mixture, and place on the tray. The bread should sizzle on contact.
Return the tray to the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The result is French toast that is “perfectly crispy on the outside and light and fluffy in the middle,” according to Hoffman.
Serving Suggestions
This method allows all slices to be cooked simultaneously, making it ideal for serving a group. Popular toppings include berries, maple syrup, butter, and icing sugar.
