French Toast Casserole is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s made with bread soaked in a sweet and creamy egg mixture, baked until golden.
This dish is great for feeding a crowd, and it fills your kitchen with the delicious smell of cinnamon. I love to top mine with fresh fruits or syrup. It’s like a hug on a plate! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: For the best texture, use thick-sliced bread like brioche or challah. If you don’t have these, French bread or even Texas toast works well. Day-old bread is great too, as it absorbs the egg mixture better.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding and creating that rich custard-like filling. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using a mix of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg) as a replacement.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk provides creaminess, but you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. The heavy cream can be skipped if you want a lighter casserole, but it does add richness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar in the custard gives sweetness, while brown sugar on top adds a caramel-like touch. You can substitute coconut sugar or even maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Is Well-Soaked?
Ensuring the bread soaks up the egg mixture is crucial for a delicious casserole. After placing the bread cubes in the baking dish, pour the egg mixture evenly over them. Here’s how to make sure it’s soaked properly:
- Press the bread cubes down gently with your hands after pouring the mixture to help it absorb.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is key!
- Check that all bread pieces are coated in the custard; if not, you can drizzle a bit more mixture over any dry spots before baking.
This overnight step makes all the difference in flavor and texture!
Delicious French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of thick bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into cubes (about 10 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (reserve some for topping)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious French Toast Casserole will take about 20 minutes to prepare and approximately 45-55 minutes to bake, plus at least 4 hours (or overnight) for it to soak in the fridge. Planning ahead makes for a wonderfully easy breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Make sure it’s good and coated!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Next, take your cubed bread and place it evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cubes out so they are in a single layer as much as possible.
3. Mix the Egg Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream (if you’re using it), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix it well until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine the Egg Mixture with the Bread:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down lightly with your hands to make sure the bread soaks in the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all the yummy flavors!
5. Prepare the Topping:
When you’re ready to bake, mix the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until it forms a crumbly texture that will create a sweet topping when baked.
6. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish. This will create a delicious crunchy layer on top!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg custard is set. You can check by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish and drizzle with warm maple syrup before serving. Enjoy!
There’s nothing like a warm slice of French Toast Casserole to treat your family and friends. Have fun cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are great options for their richness, you can also use French bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread. Just keep in mind that denser bread will yield a heartier casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, it’s best to let it soak overnight for optimal flavor. Prepare the casserole as directed, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it in the morning for a delicious breakfast!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Freeze French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! After baking and cooling, wrap individual portions tightly and place them in freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
