French Toasts Pizza Bake

French Toast Pizza is my kind of comfort food mashup. You get the custardy richness of classic French toast with all the cozy flavors of pizza. It is perfect for those times you are craving something nostalgic yet playful. Perfect for kids or a relaxed brunch with friends, it transforms familiar basics into something new and exciting.

Being able to prep everything in one pan is a lifesaver on busy days and this mix of pizza flavors on soft French toast has become my go to for easy family brunches. The kids love topping their own slices

Ingredients

• Country bread: The sturdier the loaf the better since it soaks up more custard and does not fall apart Opt for a rustic bakery style loaf if possible
• Crushed tomatoes or pizza sauce: Adds that bright tang and deep tomato flavor Pick a sauce with few additives for the best taste
• Eggs: The backbone of your custard Look for fresh eggs with a rich yolk
• Milk: Gives richness and helps blend the egg Find whole milk or even a splash of cream for extra decadence
• Salt: Brings out every flavor and balances the custard
• Fresh cracked pepper: Offers a little warmth and complexity
• Mozzarella: The melty creamy star of pizza Use whole milk mozzarella for the best stretch and flavor
• Red onion: Sliced thin for gentle sweetness and bite Go with fresh firm onions with shiny skin
• Oregano: Classic pizza herb Use dried for flavor that holds up when baked
• Fresh basil: Brings a peppery fresh pop Add just before serving to keep its color and flavor bright

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Custard:

Crack the eggs into a bowl add milk salt and pepper Whisk thoroughly until completely blended with no streaks left behind This mix is the foundation for the French toast

Soak the Bread:

Lay your bread slices flat in a shallow dish Pour the egg mixture over top making sure every piece gets a good soak Flip the slices after a minute or so Press lightly so all the bread absorbs custard Let them sit for five minutes This ensures a soft creamy inside with crisp edges

Bake the Initial Toast:

Arrange the soaked bread on a parchment lined baking sheet Slide into your preheated oven for seven minutes The heat sets the custard and begins to crisp the bottom while the center stays custardy

Flip and Add Toppings:

Carefully turn the bread slices over using a wide spatula to keep them intact Spread each with tomato sauce sprinkle on a generous pinch of oregano and arrange red onion slices Top with thick slices or torn pieces of mozzarella Add a little salt and pepper if you like

Broil to Finish:

Return the topped toasts to the oven with broiler on Bake at the same high heat for seven to ten minutes Watch for bubbling golden mozzarella and edges just beginning to brown This step fuses everything together

Serve with Fresh Basil:

Let the toasts rest for a couple minutes Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil right before serving This highlights the flavors and keeps the basil from wilting

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I love the way the mozzarella melts and browns Every time I make this dish my siblings start arguing over the bubbliest slice The aroma of basil and warm bread still reminds me of Saturday mornings at home

Storage Tips

Store any leftover French Toast Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator It will keep for two days For best results reheat slices in a skillet over low heat or a toaster oven to revive crisp edges Avoid the microwave which softens everything too much

Ingredient Substitutions

Try whole wheat or rye bread for a healthier spin Swap in dairy free milk and cheese to make this dish suitable for dairy free diets Use store bought pizza sauce or homemade tomato sauce based on what you have If you prefer meat add sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage before broiling

Serving Suggestions

French Toast Pizza shines at brunch alongside a light green salad or fruit platter It makes a fun hands on breakfast for family gatherings Serve smaller pieces as a party snack or appetizer If you are really feeling the breakfast vibes try topping slices with a fried or poached egg

Cultural Context

This dish is a playful mashup of two beloved recipes French toast known as pain perdu in France and classic American style pizza The result brings together the breakfast tradition of soaking bread in custard with the universally loved flavors of tomato mozzarella and herbs It is fusion comfort food at its best

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Enjoy creating this playful brunch dish with family and friends It is nostalgic and surprising every time

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular sandwich bread?

Thicker, country-style bread is best for soaking up the egg mixture and holding toppings, but sturdy sandwich bread will work in a pinch. Adjust soak time as needed.

→ How do I prevent soggy toast?

Bake the soaked bread slices thoroughly before adding toppings. Broiling helps crisp up the edges while melting the cheese.

→ Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Try sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or pepperoni for extra flavor. Just be sure not to overload each slice.

→ Is this dish suitable for breakfast?

Yes, this savory bake combines comforting breakfast elements with pizza flavors, perfect for a morning meal or brunch.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster oven or oven to maintain crispness and melty cheese.