make ahead french toast recipe

The Best make ahead french toast recipe
I’ve been making this make-ahead French toast recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic breakfast dish that’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for busy mornings. The recipe is derived from traditional French cuisine, where it’s known as ‘pain perdu,’ which translates to ‘lost bread.’
This name refers to the fact that the dish was originally made with stale bread, which was a common ingredient in many households at the time. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include fresh bread, but the name remains the same. When I first started making this recipe, I was impressed by how simple it was to prepare and how delicious it turned out.
The combination of eggs, milk, and sugar creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the bread perfectly. My kids love helping me assemble the dish, and they’re always excited to dig in when it’s ready. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe can be prepared and how versatile it is – whether we’re having it for breakfast or brunch, or even as a snack.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can add any number of mix-ins or toppings to suit your taste preferences. From fresh fruit to nuts or chocolate chips, there are countless ways to customize this recipe to your liking. My family loves when I add some fresh berries or sliced bananas on top – it adds a sweet and satisfying touch to an already delicious dish.
I’ve also experimented with different types of bread over the years – everything from thick-cut Challah to crusty baguette slices. While traditional white bread works beautifully in this recipe, I find that using a slightly denser bread like Challah or Ciabatta helps hold up better to all the wet ingredients. Of course, feel free to experiment with whatever type of bread you prefer – after all, that’s part of the fun of cooking!
Another reason I love this recipe is its health benefits – by using whole wheat bread and plenty of eggs and milk, we’re getting a good dose of protein and fiber along with our carbohydrates. This makes for a satisfying breakfast that will keep us full until lunchtime without feeling too heavy or greasy.

Make Ahead French Toast
A delightful breakfast recipe that allows you to prep the night before. Simply bake in the morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.
🥘Ingredients
For the French Toast Batter
For Cooking
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Make Ahead French Toast Works
This make-ahead French toast recipe is one of my go-to dishes when we have family gatherings or special occasions coming up.
Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare and customize to suit everyone’s tastes.
One thing I love about this recipe is how well it stores – simply assemble the casserole as directed and refrigerate overnight before baking off in the morning for a quick breakfast solution.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Make Ahead French Toast
Q: Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
No, while you can use any type of bread you like, traditional white bread works best in this recipe. Using a denser bread like Challah or Ciabatta will help hold up better to all the wet ingredients.
Q: How far in advance can I make this recipe?
You can make this recipe up to 24 hours in advance – simply assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, bake it off as directed.
Q: Can I add any mix-ins or toppings to this recipe?
Yes! Some popular mix-ins include fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries, chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, chocolate chips for an indulgent twist, or even shredded coconut for added texture.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
No worries! You can substitute regular milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk.
Q: Can I reheat leftover French toast?
Sure thing! Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time until warmed through – watch carefully so they don’t overcook.
