Here’s a delicious French Toast Casserole recipe that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. This dish combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a casserole, making it easy to prepare and serve.
French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread (or any sturdy bread), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Press down lightly to make sure the bread absorbs the custard.
- Refrigerate:
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
- Take the casserole out of the refrigerator and remove the plastic wrap.
- Evenly sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Tips:
- Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it will absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, making it a perfect choice for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
- Variations: Add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit can be mixed in with the bread cubes for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy your delicious French Toast Casserole!
