Sheet Pan French Toast for a Crowd

If you’ve ever found yourself hosting a brunch for a large group, you know that preparing individual servings of French toast can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. Enter the Sheet Pan French Toast for a Crowd, a game-changing solution that allows you to serve a delicious and comforting breakfast to a group with minimal effort. This hassle-free approach to French toast preparation not only saves time but also ensures that everyone gets to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal together.

Ingredients:

To get started with Sheet Pan French Toast, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread, preferably a day or two old for better absorption
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• Butter, for greasing the sheet pan
• Optional toppings: maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a large sheet pan with butter.
2. Cut the French bread into thick slices, about 1 inch in thickness. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan, ensuring they fit snugly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This will be your custard mixture.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices on the sheet pan, making sure each slice is well-soaked. Allow the bread to absorb the custard for about 10-15 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through if necessary.
5. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Once done, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The French toast will continue to firm up as it cools.
7. Serve the Sheet Pan French Toast on a large platter and let your guests customize their portions with their favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

Benefits of Sheet Pan French Toast

1. Efficiency: The sheet pan method allows you to prepare a large quantity of French toast at once, minimizing the time and effort spent in the kitchen.
2. Consistency: Baking the French toast on a sheet pan ensures even cooking, resulting in consistent texture and flavor for each slice.
3. Customization: Guests can easily customize their servings with various toppings, catering to different preferences and dietary restrictions.
4. Easy Cleanup: With just one sheet pan used for both preparation and baking, cleanup is a breeze compared to cooking individual slices on a stovetop.

Sheet Pan French Toast is a brilliant solution for anyone looking to serve a delightful breakfast to a large group without the hassle of individual preparations. This recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave your guests impressed and content. Upgrade your brunch game with this efficient and tasty approach to French toast!

Make-Ahead Option:

To make your breakfast preparation even more convenient, consider turning this Sheet Pan French Toast into a make-ahead dish. After soaking the bread slices in the custard mixture, cover the sheet pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, and it saves you precious morning time. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop the sheet pan in the oven, and you’ll have a piping hot and freshly baked breakfast without the morning rush.

Variations:

Sheet Pan French Toast is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit different tastes. Consider adding a layer of sliced bananas or apples between the bread slices before pouring the custard mixture. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or a streusel topping for added texture and flavor. This adaptable recipe allows you to get creative with your breakfast spread.

Accompaniments:

Enhance the breakfast experience by serving Sheet Pan French Toast with a side of crispy bacon or sausage links. The savory contrast complements the sweetness of the French toast and provides a well-rounded meal. Fresh fruit salads or yogurt parfaits can also be refreshing accompaniments, adding a touch of brightness to the table.

Holiday Breakfast Feast:

Sheet Pan French Toast is an ideal option for holiday mornings when you want to treat your loved ones to a special breakfast. It can easily become the centerpiece of a festive brunch spread. Pair it with a selection of juices, hot coffee, and perhaps some sparkling wine for a celebratory touch.

Tips for Success:

• Bread Selection: Opt for a hearty French bread or a brioche for the best results. Sturdy bread will absorb the custard without becoming overly soggy.
• Uniform Slices: For even baking, try to cut the bread slices to a consistent thickness. This ensures that each piece cooks at the same rate, resulting in a perfectly golden and delicious outcome.
• Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the French toast as it bakes. If you notice it browning too quickly on the top, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while the inside continues to cook.