Sheet Pan French Toast (Perfect For a Crowd)

This sheet pan French toast is a total breakfast game-changer — golden and crisp on the outside, soft and custardy in the center, and baked to perfection right in the oven. There’s no flipping, no frying, and no mess — just perfectly cooked French toast for everyone at the same time. It’s the easiest way to make French toast for a family breakfast or brunch crowd in under 20 minutes! If you’ve made my Sheet Pan Pancakes or Sheet Pan Eggs, you already know how convenient sheet pan breakfasts can be. This version is just as effortless, but with that classic vanilla-cinnamon French toast flavor everyone loves.

Why I Love This Sheet Pan French Toast

French toast has always been one of my favorite nostalgic breakfasts. I’ve shared a lot of versions — from my Small Batch French Toast to my indulgent Stuffed French Toast — but those recipes are best for a few people. I wanted to create something that was just as delicious, but easy to make for a crowd, especially during the holidays when you’re hosting brunch or family breakfast.

After testing a few batches (and making a lot of delicious French toast along the way), I landed on the perfect recipe — simple, quick, and foolproof. The beauty of this baked French toast is that it takes all the effort out of traditional stovetop cooking. Instead of standing at the stove flipping slices one by one, you bake everything together on one sheet pan — and it all comes out evenly cooked and golden brown.

The result? Perfectly crisp edges, soft and fluffy centers, and that cozy cinnamon-vanilla flavor in every bite. It’s ideal for meal prep too — you can make it ahead and reheat slices for quick weekday breakfasts that still taste freshly made. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to cooking French toast the old way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup milk (whole milk for richness)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 6 slices brioche bread (½–¾ inch thick)
• Butter, for serving (optional)
• Warm maple syrup, for serving (optional)

How To Make Sheet Pan French Toast

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease a rimmed half sheet pan (18x13 inches) with nonstick spray or butter. A light-colored pan helps prevent over-browning.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Dip the Bread

Dip each slice of brioche into the custard, coating both sides evenly. Let the excess drip off, then place the slices on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all pieces, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 4: Bake the French Toast

Place the sheet pan on the lower oven rack and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the toast is cooked through.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Serve immediately with butter, warm maple syrup, and your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.

Expert Tips for The Best Sheet Pan French Toast

• Use thick-cut bread for the perfect texture. Soft, rich breads like brioche or challah are the best for sheet pan French toast. They soak up just the right amount of custard without becoming soggy, and they bake up best with crisp edges and a fluffy middle. Avoid thin sandwich bread — it tends to fall apart when dipped.
• Whisk the custard until completely smooth. Make sure the eggs, milk, and spices are thoroughly mixed before dipping your bread. A well-whisked custard ensures even flavor, no streaks of egg, and that signature vanilla-cinnamon taste in every bite. You'll also want to whisk it between dipping the slices of bread for even coating.
• Don’t over-soak the bread. Dip each slice just long enough to coat both sides — about 5–10 seconds per side. If the bread sits too long in the custard, it’ll absorb too much liquid and turn mushy instead of crisp and golden once baked.
• Use a light-colored sheet pan. A light-colored aluminum pan helps your French toast bake evenly and prevents the bottoms from over-browning. Dark nonstick pans absorb more heat, which can lead to burnt edges before the centers are done.
• Bake on the lower rack for the best results. Positioning your pan on the lower oven rack allows the bottoms to caramelize and crisp up while keeping the tops tender and custardy. If you prefer a more golden top, move the pan to the upper rack during the last minute or two.
• Reheat like a pro. To reheat leftovers, bake in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 3 minutes to restore those crisp edges. Avoid the microwave — it makes the bread rubbery. The oven or air fryer keeps the texture just right.
• Serve it your way. This baked French toast is great straight from the oven, but it’s even better with toppings! Try warm maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey or Nutella for an indulgent upgrade.

French Toast Variations You Can Try

• Berry Sheet Pan French Toast – Scatter fresh blueberries or raspberries over the bread before baking. The berries will melt into the bread, giving it a jammy texture.
• Cinnamon Sugar Version – Sprinkle two tablespoons of cinnamon-sugar on top before baking for a caramelized crust.
• Nutty Crunch – Add chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for a crunchy texture.
• Savory Twist – Skip the sugar and vanilla, and serve with crispy bacon and maple syrup on top for sweet-salty perfection.
• Stuffed French Toast – Spread cream cheese or Nutella between two bread slices before dipping in the custard to make sheet pan stuffed French toast. 

Sheet Pan French Toast FAQs

Can I use regular sandwich bread?

Yes — regular sandwich bread will work for this sheet pan French toast recipe, but it produces thinner slices that bake faster, and they won’t be as rich as brioche or challah. If you use sandwich bread, reduce the baking time by 2–3 minutes and check early to prevent over-browning. For the best flavor and texture, go with thick-cut bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. Simply double the ingredients and use one large sheet pan or two sheet pans. Place one pan on the top rack and the other on the lower rack, then rotate the pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and golden color on both trays. It’s the easiest way to serve French toast for a large brunch or holiday breakfast.

Can I make sheet pan French toast dairy-free?

Yes — it’s easy to make this baked French toast dairy-free. Substitute almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for whole milk, and use a dairy-free butter or neutral oil to grease your pan. The texture will still be soft and custardy, and the flavor just as delicious. You can also add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier, subtly sweet twist.

Can I make sheet pan French toast without eggs?

Yes — for an egg-free version, whisk together ¾ cup milk, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed to create a custard-like coating. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still bake up golden and flavorful.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the custard mixture and slice the bread the night before. In the morning, dip the bread, place it on the pan, and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake the French toast ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat slices in the oven before serving. It’s one of the best make-ahead breakfast recipes for holidays or weekends.

Can I freeze sheet pan French toast?

Yes — this French toast freezes well. Once baked, let the French toast slices cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the toaster, air fryer, or oven for warm, crispy results anytime.

How long does sheet pan French toast last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, place slices in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or an air fryer at 375°F for 3 minutes to bring back the crisp edges and soft center. Avoid microwaving — it makes the texture rubbery.

What’s the best way to keep French toast warm for serving?

If you’re cooking for a crowd, keep baked French toast warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. Place the slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet to prevent sogginess and keep the texture crisp. This trick is perfect for brunch buffets or family breakfasts where everyone eats at different times.

What should I serve with sheet pan French toast?

This recipe pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory sides. For a classic brunch, top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream. You can serve it with bacon, breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, or loaded hash browns for a full breakfast spread. For something more indulgent, try adding Nutella, peanut butter, or caramelized bananas on top.

My Final Thoughts on This Sheet Pan French Toast Recipe

This sheet pan French toast has everything you love about classic French toast, cooked in a more convenient, foolproof way. It’s the easiest way to feed a crowd (or just make breakfast for the week) without standing over a skillet. Whether you serve it plain with syrup or deck it out with berries and whipped cream, this baked French toast is a guaranteed hit for any morning.

Delicious French Toast Recipes To Try Next

• Brioche French toast casserole
• Cinnamon French toast casserole
• French toast for one
• Baked challah French toast
•  Denny's French toast