Introduction:
French Toast Casserole is a perfect brunch or breakfast dish that combines the classic flavors of French toast in an easy-to-prepare, oven-baked form. It’s the perfect solution for serving a crowd or preparing breakfast ahead of time. With a rich, custardy texture and a golden, slightly crispy top, this casserole is a sweet and satisfying treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
1 loaf of French bread (day-old or slightly stale works best)
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup melted butter (for the topping)
1/2 cup brown sugar (for the topping)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Powdered sugar (for serving)
Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and arrange them in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread, pressing the bread down gently with a spoon or spatula to ensure it soaks up the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight, if you prefer to make it ahead).
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if you refrigerated the casserole overnight.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and chopped nuts (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy, and the center is set.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup.
Description:
French Toast Casserole is a baked version of the traditional French toast, offering the same delicious flavors but with less hassle. The dish is made by soaking cubed French bread in a rich custard mixture, which then bakes to create a warm, golden, and slightly crunchy top with a soft and flavorful interior. Topped with sweet cinnamon, brown sugar, and optional nuts, this casserole is the ideal comfort food for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, especially if made ahead of time, and guarantees a crowd-pleasing breakfast.
Tips:
Use stale bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread soaks up the custard mixture better, resulting in a richer texture. Fresh bread can be too soft and won’t hold the custard as well.
Overnight option: If you want to save time in the morning, prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh the next day.
Add fruit: Consider adding berries (strawberries, blueberries) or sliced bananas to the bread mixture for extra flavor and color.
Serving idea: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an indulgent treat.
Variations:
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. You can also substitute dairy-free butter and maple syrup to keep it vegan.
Bacon or Sausage: For a savory twist, consider adding cooked bacon, sausage, or ham to the bread mixture before baking.
Pumpkin Spice: For a fall-inspired variation, add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin to the custard mixture and increase the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for a cozy autumn flavor.
Corrections:
Avoid soggy casserole: Ensure you press the bread down gently but thoroughly into the custard mixture so that all of the bread soaks in the liquid. If the bread doesn’t soak properly, it may result in a soggy texture after baking.
Don’t overbake: Make sure to check the casserole towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking. You want a slightly crispy top with a soft, custardy center.
Enjoy:
Serve your French Toast Casserole warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and drizzled with maple syrup for a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch. Enjoy every bite of this sweet and indulgent treat!
