Orange French Toast Bake: A Crowd-Pleasing Citrus Delight

Listen up, breakfast lovers! This Orange French Toast Bake is about to change your weekend mornings. It's like a classic French toast, but with a subtle orangey twist that's just begging for a big ol' glass of OJ. And the best part? It's super easy to make. You're not stuck at the stove frying individual slices. No way. This baby goes straight into the oven, and comes out hot, bubbly, and ready for you to devour!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Eggs, just your regular kind
Milk, the good stuff for creamy goodness
Sugar, to give it a touch of sweetness
Triple Sec or another orange liqueur (you can use orange juice if you don’t have this)
Fresh orange, zested and juiced, for that vibrant flavor
Orange extract, just a little for that extra orange oomph
Salt, a pinch to enhance the flavors
Nutmeg, a tiny bit for a warm, comforting aroma
Cinnamon raisin bread, it’s the base for this deliciousness
Confectioners sugar (optional), for a dusting of sweetness
Warm maple syrup, for drizzling and making it extra irresistible

Instructions

Turn on your oven and crank it up to 375 degrees. Grab two big baking sheets and either grease them up good or line them with parchment paper. Don't forget to spray the parchment with cooking spray to stop the bread from sticking!
Get a bowl and whisk those eggs until they’re light and fluffy. Then, start adding the rest of the ingredients - milk, sugar, orange liqueur, orange juice, orange zest, orange extract, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk it all together until it’s all nice and combined.
Take those bread slices and dunk them in the egg custard until they’re nice and soaked. Then, put them on the baking sheets, making sure they’re not overlapping. Bake for about fifteen minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them golden brown and delicious!
Time to make it look pretty! Sprinkle on some confectioners sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. (If you’re feeling fancy, you can even use a little whipped cream). Now it’s ready to eat!

Tips and Variations

You can use different kinds of bread, like brioche or challah if you want to get fancy.
If you’re not feeling orange, you can use other citrus fruits, like lemon or lime, for a twist on the recipe.
To make it even richer, you can add some cream cheese to the egg mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the French toast bake ahead of time. Just coat the bread in the custard mixture, place it in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

What kind of orange liqueur should I use?

Triple Sec is a popular choice, but you can also use Grand Marnier or Cointreau. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can use 1/4 cup of orange juice instead.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. You can also enjoy cold!

Give It a Try!

This Orange French Toast Bake is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. It’s so easy to make, and it’s a delicious way to start the day or impress your guests at your next brunch gathering. (Picture this: orange French toast bake served with a side of mixed berries, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and maybe a side of scrambled eggs. You're gonna be the brunch hero!)

So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and experience the magic of orange French toast. Let me know what you think in the comments below!