Well, let me tell ya somethin’, if ya ain’t tried this Baked French Toast overnight recipe from Paula Deen, you’re missin’ out! I been bakin’ for many a year, but this here recipe is somethin’ special. Now, don’t be expectin’ any fancy stuff, this is all about good ol’ comfort food, the kind that fills ya up and makes ya smile every time ya take a bite.
First off, ya gonna need to get yer hands on some good ol’ French bread. Not that soft white bread, no sir, get ya a sturdy loaf of French bread—something that can soak up all the eggy, buttery goodness we’re gonna put together. Now, slice that bread into about 20 pieces, each one inch thick. Don’t be shy now, cut ‘em nice and thick so they can hold up when you soak ‘em in all the stuff.
Next thing, ya need a big ol’ baking dish, somethin’ like a 9 by 13-inch one. Ya gotta butter that dish real good. Don’t be skimpy on the butter, folks! Spread it all around, all over the bottom and sides, so that bread don’t stick when it bakes. Then, take those slices of bread and lay ’em in there in two rows. Make sure they overlap a bit, like a cozy little bed for each slice. Keep it snug and tight!
Now, we get to the fun part—the egg mix! In a big ol’ bowl, crack about 8 eggs. I always use fresh eggs from my chickens, but store-bought ones work just fine too. Add to that a cup of milk—whole milk’s the best, makes it creamy and rich. After that, ya pour in a cup of heavy cream. I know, I know, it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth every drop. Don’t forget to add in some sugar, about a half cup, to sweeten it up. You’ll also need some cinnamon—don’t skimp on that either, about a tablespoon. Sprinkle a little salt and a dash of vanilla extract to give it that deep, warm flavor. Now, whisk all that together real good ‘til it’s nice and smooth.
Once yer egg mix is ready, pour it all over the bread in that baking dish. Now, I know it might seem like a lot of liquid, but don’t you worry none, that bread’s gonna soak it all up like a sponge. Cover the dish with a piece of plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge overnight. Yep, that’s right—let it soak overnight. It gives the bread time to really soak in all that goodness and makes the texture just perfect for bakin’ the next day.
The next morning, you’re gonna preheat your oven to about 350°F (that’s 175°C if you’re countin’ in Celsius). When the oven’s ready, take that dish outta the fridge and pop it right in the oven. Let it bake for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll know it’s done when the top gets all golden and crispy. It should look all puffed up, like a warm, fluffy pillow of yumminess.
When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. But don’t wait too long, ‘cause this here baked French toast is best served warm! You can drizzle some maple syrup over the top or sprinkle on a lil’ powdered sugar if ya feel fancy. Some folks even like to add fresh berries, but I’m partial to just keepin’ it simple with the syrup.
Now, I gotta tell ya, this baked French toast is mighty rich and indulgent. It’s perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, and it sure does make folks feel like they’re gettin’ a real treat. You can even make it ahead of time for when the family’s comin’ over, and ya won’t be fussin’ in the kitchen while they’re all sittin’ around the table waitin’ for their grub. Just bake it the night before, stick it in the fridge, and you’re good to go!
So, there ya have it! A real simple, real good recipe for Paula Deen’s Baked French Toast that’ll make your taste buds dance and your belly happy. Don’t be shy, give it a try. And remember, it’s all about good ingredients, a little time, and a whole lotta love when you’re bakin’!
Tags:[Baked French Toast, Paula Deen, French Toast Recipe, Overnight French Toast, Breakfast Recipe, Easy Breakfast, Comfort Food, Baked Breakfast, Overnight Breakfast Casserole]