French toast is a timeless breakfast favourite, but frying it can be tricky. Too often, the slices end up greasy, unevenly cooked, or soggy in the middle.
Luckily, there’s a simple hack to achieve golden, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside French toast without a frying pan.
This article is for general cooking guidance. Oven temperatures and baking times may vary. Photos are illustrative; results may differ.
Use The Oven For Even Cooking
Instead of frying, bake your French toast in the oven. Preheating a baking tray allows the bread to sear immediately, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft and custardy.
Place your oven rack in the middle and heat the tray to around 230°C (210°C for fan ovens) for about 20 minutes.
Prepare And Bake With Confidence
Whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract for a simple custard base, adding cinnamon or nutmeg if you like. Quickly dip each slice of bread, coating both sides, and place it on the hot tray.
Bake for five to eight minutes until the slices are golden brown with lightly crisp edges. There’s no need to flip them, making this method ideal for cooking larger batches.
Serve with your favourite toppings, such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of sugar. This approach keeps French toast light, flavourful, and hassle-free.
