The primary limitation of French toast is that it is ideally prepared-to-order and served while hot. This may appear daunting if you have several eager eaters to satisfy. Nonetheless, it doesn’t have to be a situation that halts your plans — just consult chef Kaleena Bliss. An experienced figure in upscale venues in the Pacific Northwest, she currently oversees the culinary team at Cindy’s, located within the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Bliss shares with Mashed the most efficient kitchen device for making French toast for many: the oven.
Begin with any recipe you favor (perhaps this indulgent brioche French toast). However, instead of preheating a skillet, Bliss recommends warming your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your bread has soaked, arrange the slices on a parchment-covered baking tray — or even better, on a baking sheet with a wire rack atop, which ensures all surfaces become crispy. (This technique also applies to achieving extra-crisp bacon.) Then bake the slices for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
“To achieve a slight golden finish, you can apply melted butter to the tops before baking,” Bliss advises. “While this technique may not provide the same pan-seared depth of flavor, it is effective for preparing larger quantities.” Additionally, there is a way to attain some of that pan-seared depth while serving a crowd, she mentions. This method also utilizes the oven.
Further advice on preparing French toast for a crowd
If you’re catering to a substantial gathering and wish to prepare in advance, another alternative is to begin the French toast on the stovetop. Gently brown both sides of the slices in a skillet before moving them to a baking sheet equipped with a rack, according to Kaleena Bliss. When it’s time to eat, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the baking sheet filled with French toast inside — again, the rack will facilitate air circulation around the slices, assisting in keeping them crisp on the outside. “It’s an excellent method for preparing large quantities without losing too much quality,” Bliss remarks.
Curious about additional strategies for large-scale cooking? You might consider crafting an overnight French toast casserole. All you need to do is combine the wet components, pour them over cubed bread, and allow it to soak in the refrigerator overnight before baking it the next morning. What you will produce is something sweet, creamy, and largely tender throughout. Should you be concerned about its lack of the outer crispness typical of classic French toast, you needn’t worry. In the linked recipe, you’ll sprinkle a bit of cinnamon-infused crumble mixture atop the casserole just before it goes into the oven. The dish will emerge with a golden sheen, a crunchy crust, and an irresistible aroma.
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