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Protein French Toast Bake - A Cozy, High-Protein Breakfast for Busy Mornings

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (brioche, challah, or whole grain; about 1 large loaf)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup liquid egg whites (or 8 additional egg whites)
  • 2 cups milk of choice (dairy or unsweetened almond/oat milk)
  • 1 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat)
  • 2 scoops vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder (about 50–60 grams total)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey (plus more for serving)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil (for the pan and drizzle)
  • Optional mix-ins: 1 cup blueberries, diced apples, or sliced bananas; 1/2 cup chopped nuts
  • Optional topping: 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar for crunch

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan and bread: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or coconut oil. Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes. Day-old or lightly toasted bread works best because it absorbs custard without getting soggy.
  2. Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. If your protein powder clumps, blend the mixture or whisk vigorously.
  3. Combine: Add bread cubes to the dish. Pour the custard evenly over the top, gently pressing the bread down so every piece is moistened. Stir in any fruit or nuts, if using.
  4. Soak: Let the mixture sit for at least 20–30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to overnight. Longer soaking yields a creamier center.
  5. Preheat and top: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle the top with a little melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar if you like a crunchy lid.
  6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set but still slightly soft. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
  7. Rest and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm with fresh berries, a dollop of yogurt, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup.