How to Make Oven Baked French Toast

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Take one French bread roll and bias cut (diagonally cut) it into 2 inch (5.1 cm) slices.

   (This is optional but results in a much more decadent baked french toast.) ,, This is the base for your filling and you can now experiment with different flavors to mix in. , 1/4 cup apricot preserves and 3-4 pieces of finely chopped glace ginger is also very nice. 1/4 cup blueberries and the zest of one lemon would be good as well.
   
   You could also make the filling savory by adding mushrooms, spring onions, and ham or bacon.
   
   The filling is the fun part so choose your favorite flavors and give it a go. ,, Cover and set aside. , Start with two and if you find that you need more, you can always add another egg or two. ,, Use vanilla essence, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, or, if savory, try garlic or chili powder.
   
   The flavor combinations are endless, so don't be afraid to try something new. , The egg mixture should fully coat all the bread slices and pool around the bottom of the pan.
   
   The baking dish will be covered and refrigerated for 4 hours minimum or ideally overnight.
   
   The bread will soak up quite a bit of egg mixture, so make sure there is some at the bottom of the pan for the bread to soak up. ,,, If savory, try serving with caramelized or sauteed onions.
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   Step 2: In the top of each slice

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   Step 3: make a cut halfway through the bread to make a pocket for stuffing.

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   Step 4: Cover the bread slices and set aside.

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   Step 5: For the filling

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   Step 6: (if using) mix the cream cheese and the ricotta cheese until well combined.

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   Step 7: For example

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   Step 8: try adding 1/4 cup sliced strawberries and 1 teaspoon vanilla essence to the cheese mixture.

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   Step 9: Once you have completed your filling

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    Step 10: stuff the pockets of each slice of bread with a tablespoon (or more

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    Step 11: if it will fit) of your prepared filling.

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    Step 12: Place the stuffed slices of french bread in a shallow baking dish.

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    Step 13: Depending on how much bread you have to cover

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    Step 14: you will need between 2 & 4 eggs.

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    Step 15: Whisk eggs together with 1 tablespoon of milk or cream for each pair of eggs used.

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    Step 16: At this stage you may wish to add some complementary spices to your egg mixture.

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    Step 17: Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices in the baking dish.

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    Step 18: To bake

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    Step 19: drain any excess egg mixture from the bottom of the baking dish as this will make serving MUCH easier.

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    Step 20: Preheat oven to 160 °C (320 °F) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops of the bread slices are golden brown.

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    Step 21: Serve drizzled with syrup and an orange wedge

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    Step 22: if sweet.

Detailed Guide

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