This French Toast Casserole is a game-changer for cozy weekend mornings or holiday brunches. With thick slices of crusty bread soaked in cinnamon-spiced custard, baked to golden perfection with a crispy crunchy topping.
This recipe lies in its simplicity and prep-ahead convenience. Assemble it the night before, then pop it in the oven in the morning for an easy, stress-free breakfast.
Whether you're hosting a fancy brunch or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, this French Toast Casserole is sure to steal the show.
Why You Will Love This French Toast Casserole
Here are some reasons why you will love this unique and delicious breakfast casserole:
Convenience: The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight, allowing the bread to soak up all the delicious custard mixture. This makes it an incredibly convenient breakfast option, especially for holidays or when hosting guests.
Indulgent flavors and textures: The combination of the rich, custardy egg mixture soaked into the bread, the gooey caramelized brown sugar-butter bottom layer, and the crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping creates an irresistibly decadent flavor and texture.
Versatility: You can use other breads like brioche, challah, or sourdough. The casserole also lends itself well to mix-ins like fresh or frozen berries, chocolate chips, or nuts, allowing you to customize it to your tastes.
Crowd-pleasing: This recipe is a hit with family and friends, easily feeding a crowd for special occasions like Christmas morning or weekend company. Its ability to straddle breakfast and dessert makes it appealing to all.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s everything you need for this savory sensation:
- French bread or brioche loaf: The base of the casserole. Using a sturdy, slightly stale bread allows it to soak up the custard mixture without getting soggy.
- Butter: Used to create a caramelized brown sugar layer on the bottom of the dish, adding rich flavor.
- Brown sugar: Some is melted with the butter for the bottom layer, providing gooey caramel notes. More is sprinkled on top for a crisp, sweet crust.
- Eggs: The main component of the custard mixture that binds the bread together.
- Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the custard.
- Vanilla extract: Provides warmth and enhances the flavors.
- Cinnamon: Gives the classic French toast spice and aroma.
How To Make French Toast Casserole Recipe
This French toast casserole couldn’t be easier! Just follow these steps:
Step1.Preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step2.In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in ¾ cup of brown sugar until fully dissolved into a luscious syrup. Pour this into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step3.Take a day-old French bread loaf (about 8 oz) and cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Arrange the cubed bread in an even layer over the brown sugar-butter mixture in the dish.
Step4.In a bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 ½ cups of milk, 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ¾ teaspoon of ground cinnamon until fully combined.
Step5.Pour this eggy custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all the pieces get soaked. Use a fork to gently press down the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
Step6.Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the top.
Step7.Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is gloriously golden brown and puffed.
Step8.Remove from the oven and optionally dust with powdered sugar. Let it cool slightly before scooping out portions to serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or any other toppings your heart desires!
Tips For The Best French Toast Casserole
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a French toast casserole that's sure to impress your family and friends.
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread it soaks up that luscious custard better than fresh bread for an ultra-indulgent texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or oat.
- Get creative with mix-ins Fold extras like raisins, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh/frozen berries into the bread cubes before baking.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking so it can set up nicely for clean slicing and serving.
- For an extra decadent touch, drizzle each portion with maple syrup, dust with cinnamon sugar, or top with whipped cream.
How To Store
Here’s how to store it
Storing: leftover baked casserole can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: Bake the casserole as directed, then allow it to cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat the frozen casserole, unwrap it and place it in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, until heated through.
French Toast Casserole
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Ingredients
- 8 oz 225g day-old French bread loaf, cubed (around 6 cups)
- ⅓ cup 75g unsalted butter
- ¾ cup 165g packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups 355ml whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoon 7ml pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon divided
- 1 tablespoon 12g light brown sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the ¾ cup brown sugar until fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour this into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Arrange the cubed bread in an even layer over the brown sugar-butter mixture in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and ¾ teaspoon of the cinnamon until fully combined. Pour this egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon brown sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and optionally dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old or lightly stale bread for the best absorption of the custard mixture.
- For gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free bread.
- Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free.
- Substitute milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for dairy-free.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with cinnamon sugar for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bread works best?
Day-old French, sourdough, brioche, or Italian loaves work great as they absorb the custard mixture well without getting soggy.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Dairy or non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk can be substituted in equal amounts.
Can I add any extra toppings or mix-ins?
Get creative with add-ins like raisins, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh/frozen berries folded into the bread cubes.
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