French toast is a beloved breakfast classic, but let’s face it—serving it hot and fresh for a crowd can be a logistical nightmare. If you’ve ever tried juggling multiple skillets while your guests eagerly await their morning meal, you know exactly what I mean. But don’t let this little hiccup dash your brunch dreams. Chef Kaleena Bliss, an esteemed culinary force from the Pacific Northwest, has come to your rescue. As the head of the culinary team at Cindy’s, nestled within the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, she has a wealth of experience making delightful breakfasts for thriving crowds. Her secret? The oven—a kitchen hero you might not have considered.
So let’s dive into her insights and make your next French toast morning a breeze. Start with any recipe that feels right to you; maybe that indulgent brioche French toast is calling your name. Instead of cranking up a skillet and cooking each slice one by one—keeping your guests twiddling their thumbs—simply preheat your oven to a cozy 375 degrees Fahrenheit. After letting your bread soak in the luscious egg mixture, lay those slices out on a parchment-lined baking tray. For an extra crispy experience (and we all love that crunch), opt for a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. This allows the hot air to circulate around the toast, helping every surface achieve that golden-brown perfection. You’ll want to bake them for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Want to elevate that beautiful color? Bliss suggests brushing the tops with some melted butter before baking. “Sure, this might not give you the full depth of flavor you get from traditional pan-searing,” she notes, “but when you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s an efficient way to serve plenty without compromising on quality.”
If you’re expecting a larger gathering and want to get a head start, she’s got another tip. You can brown both sides of your French toast in a skillet before transferring them to a baking sheet fitted with a rack. This way, when it’s time for the main event, you can pop them into a preheated oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The rack helps keep them crisp, ensuring that you won’t have to sacrifice the delightful crunch we all crave. “It’s a fantastic way to prepare larger quantities without losing too much quality,” Bliss advises—a lifesaver moment for any host.
For those who are looking for an even more relaxed morning, why not consider an overnight French toast casserole? It’s as simple as mixing your wet ingredients—eggs, milk, spices—and pouring them over cubed bread, allowing it to soak overnight in the refrigerator. The next morning, just pop it into the oven. What you’ll be rewarded with is a dish that’s warm, sweet, and creamy. Worried about missing that characteristic crispiness? Don’t be! Simply sprinkle a cinnamon-infused crumble mixture on top before it hits the heat. When it emerges from the oven, golden-brown and aromatic, your guests will be lining up for seconds.
So there you have it—French toast doesn’t have to be a solo act in the kitchen. With these insightful tips from Chef Kaleena Bliss, you can turn a daunting breakfast into a joyous gathering, connecting easily with your friends and family over plates of deliciousness. Enjoy your brunch without the stress, and relish in the smiles around the table.
