Oven Strawberry French Toast

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Introduction

Imagine waking up to the enticing aroma of sweet strawberries and warm, comforting French toast wafting through your home. Oven Strawberry French Toast is a breakfast delight that combines the classic taste of French toast with the freshness of strawberries, making it a perfect dish to start your day or to serve during a leisurely brunch with friends and family. This recipe not only brings together simple ingredients but also offers the convenience of baking everything together, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful dish and discover how you can easily prepare it at home.

Ingredients

To create this scrumptious Oven Strawberry French Toast, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 loaf Italian bread (day old)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 cups milk (2% or almond milk for a lighter version)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 1/8 tsp salt

These ingredients come together to create a balanced mix of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. The use of day-old bread ensures the toast absorbs just the right amount of the creamy mixture without becoming soggy.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Oven Strawberry French Toast:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice the bread into 16 pieces and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the strawberry slices throughout the dish, ensuring they are evenly distributed around and between the bread slices.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, sugar, almond extract, and salt until fully combined.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are well coated. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to help the mixture absorb into the bread. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. If the center seems too soft, continue baking, checking every 5 minutes, until the desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts for one serving of Oven Strawberry French Toast:

  • Calories: 588
  • Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 260mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 21g

This dish offers a balanced meal, providing a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The strawberries add a natural sweetness and a boost of vitamin C, perfect for a nutritious start to your day.

How to Serve

Oven Strawberry French Toast is not just a delightful dish in terms of taste; it also offers a canvas for creativity in presentation and flavor enhancement. Here are several ways to serve this delicious breakfast treat, ensuring it is as visually appealing as it is satisfying:

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

A light sprinkling of powdered sugar over the top of your Oven Strawberry French Toast can elevate the dish’s aesthetic and flavor profile. The snowy white dusting contrasts beautifully with the rich, golden-brown toast and the vibrant red of the strawberries. It adds a subtle sweetness that complements the dish without overwhelming it. To achieve a perfect dusting, use a fine sieve or sifter, allowing for an even distribution that enhances the overall presentation. Consider adding a touch of vanilla or cinnamon to the powdered sugar for an extra layer of flavor.

Topped with Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are not only a classic pairing with French toast but also bring a burst of color and freshness to the plate. Slicing the strawberries and arranging them artfully on top of the toast can make the dish more appealing. For an added twist, consider macerating the strawberries in a bit of sugar and lemon juice for about 15 minutes before serving; this will enhance their sweetness and create a lovely syrup that can be drizzled over the toast. You can also mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley that adds even more visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup or Honey

A drizzle of maple syrup or honey can transform your Oven Strawberry French Toast into a decadent treat. The rich, sweet flavors of pure maple syrup complement the strawberries perfectly, while honey adds a floral note that can enhance the overall taste. For an elegant presentation, use a squeeze bottle to create an artistic drizzle over the top. If you want to experiment further, consider warming the syrup or honey slightly before drizzling, allowing it to soak into the toast more easily. For a unique twist, infuse the syrup with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or even a hint of bourbon for an adult version of this classic breakfast dish.

Served with Whipped Cream or Yogurt

For a creamy element that balances the sweetness of the French toast, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a generous spoonful of yogurt can be the perfect addition. Whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense toast, while yogurt offers a tangy flavor that can cut through the sweetness. You can opt for plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or flavored varieties like vanilla or strawberry to enhance the overall experience. Top the whipped cream or yogurt with a few additional strawberry slices or a sprinkle of granola for added texture and flavor.

Accompanied by a Side of Bacon or Sausage

To create a well-rounded breakfast experience, consider serving your Oven Strawberry French Toast alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage links. The salty, smoky flavors of bacon or sausage offer a delightful contrast to the sweet and fruity notes of the French toast. This combination provides a balance of flavors that caters to both sweet and savory palates. For an added touch, try candied bacon, which can bring an unexpected sweetness that pairs beautifully with the French toast. You can also include a side of scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to round out the meal and provide additional nutrition.

By exploring these serving options, you can enhance not only the flavor but also the visual appeal of your Oven Strawberry French Toast, making it a delightful centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Whether you choose to keep it simple or go all out with toppings and sides, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your guests.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Oven Strawberry French Toast turns out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips that will enhance the flavor, texture, and overall experience of this delightful breakfast dish:

Use Day-Old Bread

Opting for day-old bread is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in your French toast. Fresh bread tends to absorb the egg mixture too quickly, leading to a soggy outcome. Day-old bread, on the other hand, has had time to dry out slightly, allowing it to soak up the custard mixture without becoming overly mushy. If you don’t have day-old bread on hand, you can mimic this effect by lightly toasting fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes before assembling your dish. This will create a firmer structure that holds up well during baking.

Experiment with Bread Types

While Italian bread is a classic choice for French toast, there’s a whole world of bread types that can elevate your dish. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Challah: This slightly sweet, braided bread has a rich flavor and soft texture, making it perfect for indulgent French toast. Its airy structure absorbs the custard beautifully while maintaining a luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Brioche: Like challah, brioche is rich and buttery, offering a decadent twist to your French toast. Its tender crumb and slightly sweet flavor provide an excellent base for the egg mixture, leading to a delightful breakfast treat.
  • Gluten-Free Loaf: For those with dietary restrictions, using a gluten-free loaf ensures everyone can enjoy this dish. Many gluten-free breads are now available that mimic the texture of traditional loaves, allowing you to achieve a delicious result without sacrificing flavor.
  • Sourdough: For a tangy kick, consider using sourdough bread. Its chewy texture and unique flavor profile add depth to the dish, while the slight tanginess complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

Make Ahead

One of the most appealing aspects of Oven Strawberry French Toast is its adaptability for meal prep. By preparing the dish the night before, you can save time during busy mornings. Simply assemble the bread, egg mixture, and strawberries in your baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it from the fridge while you preheat the oven, allowing it to come to room temperature. This not only enhances the convenience of your breakfast but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

Add Nuts or Spices

To elevate the flavor profile of your French toast, consider incorporating chopped nuts or spices into the egg mixture. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans can add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries. Simply sprinkle them on top of the bread before baking or mix them into the custard for an even distribution.

In addition to nuts, spices can significantly enhance the overall flavor. A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom can add warmth and depth to your dish. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance that suits your taste preferences.

Use Seasonal Fruits

While strawberries are undeniably delicious, feel free to get creative with your choice of fruits. Seasonal fruits not only provide freshness but also introduce new flavors and textures to your French toast. Here are some alternatives to consider:

  • Blueberries: These little bursts of sweetness pair wonderfully with the creamy custard and add a vibrant pop of color to your dish.
  • Raspberries: Their tartness can create a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the bread, making for a well-rounded flavor experience.
  • Peaches: When in season, juicy peaches can be sliced and layered into the dish, offering a summery sweetness that’s hard to resist.
  • Bananas: Sliced bananas can add a creamy texture and natural sweetness, making them a satisfying addition to your French toast.
  • Mixed Berry Medley: For those who can’t choose just one, a mix of berries—strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries—can create a colorful and flavorful topping that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

By incorporating these additional tips into your Oven Strawberry French Toast preparation, you can create a dish that is not only delicious but also versatile and accommodating to various tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy the process of experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make this classic breakfast dish your own!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes! Substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacer, use coconut cream, and almond milk for a plant-based version.

Q: How can I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Oven Strawberry French Toast?

A: Absolutely! Freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, bake in the oven until warmed through.

Q: What can I use instead of almond extract?

A: Vanilla extract is a great alternative if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Conclusion

Oven Strawberry French Toast is not just a breakfast dish; it’s an experience that combines the joy of cooking with the pleasure of sharing a delicious meal. Its appealing flavors, along with its ease of preparation, make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a weekend breakfast with family, or preparing a special treat for yourself, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and indulge in the delightful world of Oven Strawberry French Toast. Bon appétit!