Alton Brown Baked French Toast Recipe is made with half and half, eggs, honey, kosher salt, butter, and day-old bread. This recipe creates a rich, custardy French toast with a crisp golden crust. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare and serves 4.
Alton Brown Baked French Toast Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup half and half
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey, warmed in microwave for 20 seconds
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 (1/2-inch) slices day-old or stale country loaf, brioche, or challah bread
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Crushed Frosted Flakes, for coating, optional
How To Make Alton Brown Baked French Toast Recipe
- Make the Custard: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the half and half, eggs, honey, and salt.
- Chill if Needed: If preparing ahead, refrigerate the custard mixture overnight.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard into a pie pan, dip bread slices and soak for 30 seconds per side, then rest on a wire rack for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375ºF and prepare a sheet pan with a wire rack.
- Optional Coating: If using Frosted Flakes, coat the soaked bread before cooking.
- Cook the Bread: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat and cook 2 bread slices at a time for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Finish in Oven: Transfer cooked slices to the prepared sheet pan and bake for 5 minutes. Repeat for all 8 slices.
- Serve: Serve immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Recipe Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better without falling apart.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing soaked bread to rest on a rack helps avoid sogginess.
- Optional Crunch: Coating in crushed Frosted Flakes adds a fun, crispy texture.
- Butter in Batches: Use fresh butter for each batch to prevent burning.
- Serve Fresh: French toast tastes best straight from the oven while warm and crisp.
What To Serve With Baked French Toast
This baked French toast pairs well with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh berries, or a smoothie. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of orange juice also complements the meal nicely.
How To Store Baked French Toast
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to retain crispness.
Freeze: Place slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375ºF oven for 8–10 minutes.
Baked French Toast Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
It’s best to use day-old bread for better texture, but you can dry fresh bread in the oven if needed.
What type of bread works best?
Brioche, challah, or country loaf are ideal due to their sturdiness and flavor.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the custard and soak the bread overnight for a quicker morning prep.
Do I have to use Frosted Flakes?
No, it’s optional. They add crunch but can be skipped for a classic version.
How do I prevent soggy French toast?
Let the bread rest after soaking, and bake it briefly after pan-frying.
Try More Recipes:
- Alton Brown Baked Eggs Recipe
- Alton Brown Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Alton Brown Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Alton Brown Baked French Toast Recipe
Description
A rich, custardy French toast baked to perfection with an optional crunchy coating.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the half and half, eggs, honey, and salt.
- If preparing ahead, refrigerate the custard mixture overnight.
- Pour custard into a pie pan. Dip bread slices and soak for 30 seconds per side, then let rest on a wire rack for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375ºF. Prepare a wire rack on a sheet pan.
- If using, coat soaked bread with crushed Frosted Flakes.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Cook 2 slices of bread at a time for 1 to 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to the rack-lined sheet pan and bake for 5 minutes. Repeat for all slices.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
