Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of sweet maple syrup and savory sausage wafting through your kitchen—a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate! Our Maple Sausage French Toast Bake is the perfect way to elevate your brunch game, combining the comforting flavors of classic French toast with the delightful crunch of maple sausage. This easy-to-make dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also allows you to enjoy more time with family and friends while it bakes to perfection. Ready to impress your guests and indulge in a breakfast that will have them coming back for seconds? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
- 1 pound maple sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the French toast bake from sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed French bread and crumbled maple sausage. Toss them together gently to ensure the sausage is evenly distributed among the bread cubes.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined. Make sure the mixture is smooth and the eggs are fully incorporated.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and sausage mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula or your hands to ensure they are soaked in the egg mixture. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Once the bread has absorbed the egg mixture, spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. You can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top if desired for added flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will help the French toast bake to cook evenly and remain moist.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut into squares.
- Serve warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup if desired, and enjoy your delicious Maple Sausage French Toast Bake!
Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use day-old French bread. It will absorb the egg mixture better and yield a fluffier bake. If you only have fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
- Customize Your Sausage: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage! While maple sausage adds a sweet touch, Italian or even spicy sausage can provide a unique twist to this dish.
- Let It Soak: Allowing the bread and sausage mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes after pouring the egg mixture over it is crucial. This soaking time ensures every bite is infused with flavor and moisture.
- Cover and Bake: Covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first half of baking helps keep the moisture in, resulting in a soft and tender bake. Remove the foil later for a golden, crispy top.
- Serve with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings! Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate your French toast bake to a whole new level.
- Make Ahead: This recipe can be prepared the night before! Simply assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the oven for a delicious, stress-free breakfast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 220mg
