This French Toast Casserole is a cozy breakfast treat that mixes bread, eggs, milk, and sweet spices. It’s like a hug in a dish and perfect for sharing with family!
What I love most is how easy it is to make. Just whip it up the night before and let it chill. In the morning, pop it in the oven and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Day-old Bread: Using brioche or challah gives a buttery flavor and soft texture. If you don’t have those, any sturdy bread like French or sourdough works. Just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best absorption!
Eggs: Six large eggs help create a rich custard. If you need an egg substitute, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. It slightly changes texture but works well!
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream provide creaminess. You could use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but avoid non-fat milk to keep the texture rich.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for sweetness. You can substitute brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor, or use maple syrup for a unique twist!
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth. If you want a different flavor, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can be good substitutions.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Turns Out Perfectly?
Getting the right texture in this casserole is key. Here are my best tips:
- **Soaking the Bread**: Let the bread soak in the custard long enough—preferably overnight—in the fridge. This is crucial for soft, custardy bites.
- **Room Temperature Prep**: Before baking, let the casserole sit at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
- **Perfect Baking**: Keep an eye on the cooking time! It can vary with different ovens. Look for a golden top and a clean knife test for doneness.
- **Dusting with Powdered Sugar**: Just before serving, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look beautiful and adds a sweet finishing touch!
Follow these tips, and your French Toast Casserole will be a delightful treat that everyone will love!
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into 1½-inch cubes (about 6-8 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the baking dish)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This French Toast Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours to chill (or overnight for best results). You will need about 45-50 minutes for baking. Total time from preparation to serving is about 3 hours with chilling included, which is perfect for making the night before a cozy breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with some butter to prevent sticking. This will give your casserole a nice golden color while baking.
2. Arrange the Bread:
Next, place the cubed bread evenly in the greased casserole dish. Make sure the pieces are spread out well so every bite gets soaked in that delicious custard mixture.
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth custard!
4. Combine Bread with Custard:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your fingers to ensure it soaks up the custard thoroughly. This step is crucial for a rich and moist casserole.
5. Chill the Casserole:
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard fully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
6. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up to take the chill off.
7. Bake Perfectly:
Once preheated, place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and gently insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean to know your casserole is fully cooked.
8. Cool and Dust:
After removing it from the oven, let it cool slightly. Before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar—it adds a lovely touch of sweetness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your French Toast Casserole into portions and serve warm. You can drizzle with maple syrup if you like. Enjoy this comforting breakfast treat with family and friends!
This recipe creates a soft, custardy interior with a golden, slightly crisp top—a perfect, comforting breakfast or brunch dish that everyone will rave about!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah is ideal for a rich texture, you can also use sourdough, French bread, or even whole grain bread. Just ensure it’s a bit stale to absorb the custard better!
Can I Make This Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! In fact, making it the night before is recommended. By letting it chill in the fridge overnight, the bread absorbs the custard more thoroughly, resulting in a richer flavor and softer texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Freeze French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! After baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.