This French Toast Casserole is a warm, sweet treat perfect for breakfast or brunch! It’s made with fluffy bread, eggs, milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, all baked to golden perfection.
It’s like waking up to a hug on your plate! I love serving it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. Get ready to wow your family with this easy, delicious dish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: The key to this casserole is using thick bread like brioche or challah. They’re soft and soak up the custard beautifully. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free bread or even croissants for a fun twist!
Eggs: Large eggs are standard for this recipe. They provide the structure and richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you could use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer instead, keeping moisture in mind.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich custard. If you’re vegan, unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk with a splash of coconut cream can be great substitutes. Just watch for added sweetness depending on what you choose!
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness, but you can swap it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. For a healthier touch, try using maple syrup or honey, just adjust the liquid contents correspondingly.
How Can You Ensure Your Casserole Is Perfectly Soaked?
The trick to a great French Toast Casserole lies in letting the bread soak well. After pouring the custard over the bread, gently press the cubes down to ensure they absorb the mixture fully. This helps prevent any dry spots!
- Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes before baking to allow maximum soaking.
- For more flavor, consider making it the night before and letting it soak in the fridge overnight.
Just remember, a well-soaked casserole will have that full, delicious custard flavor in every bite! Enjoy your baking!
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of thick bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into 1.5-inch cubes (about 6-7 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh strawberries or other fruit slices, for garnish (optional)
Time Needed
This delicious French Toast Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake. Just a little bit of waiting while it cooks, and then you’ll be ready to enjoy a cozy breakfast or brunch!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Bread
Place the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out so the custard can soak into all of it!
3. Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine and Soak the Bread
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing the bread down with a fork or spoon to help it soak up the custard.
5. Add Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread mixture for added richness and flavor.
6. Let It Soak
Let the casserole sit for about 15-20 minutes. This waiting period gives the bread time to really soak up that yummy custard mixture!
7. Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Cool Slightly
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to serve!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and fresh sliced strawberries or other fruit for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
Enjoy your cozy, sweet baked French Toast Casserole!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are the best for their sweetness and texture, you can also use sourdough, French bread, or even croissants for a unique twist. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold up to the custard!
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before! Just prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate. In the morning, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of milk before reheating to restore moisture if needed!
Can I Add Mix-Ins or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in fruits like blueberries or chopped apples before baking. You can also top it with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added flavor!