Ah, French Toast Casserole—what a delightful way to transform humble ingredients into a decadent dish! This recipe is like a warm hug, perfect for brunch with friends or a cozy Sunday family breakfast. It combines the heartiness of bread with a sweet, creamy custard, and is topped with a sugary, buttery crunch. Trust me, this will become a favorite in your household!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Prep Ahead: You can prepare it the night before, making morning prep quick and easy.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with sweet or savory variations to match your cravings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for feeding a group, whether it’s for brunch or a holiday gathering.
- Comfort Food at its Best: Combines the best of French toast in a warm and comforting casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this French Toast Casserole comes together seamlessly. Each element plays an integral role in the flavor and texture—let’s dive into why each one is essential!
- Bread: Use sourdough, brioche, challah, or French bread for a sturdy texture that absorbs the custard beautifully.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard, they help create that creamy, rich base.
- Milk & Heavy Cream: This combination gives the dish a rich, velvety texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a deep, aromatic sweetness that elevates the flavor profile.
- Sugar: Sweetens the custard and complements the vanilla, creating an irresistible richness.
- Brown Sugar & Cinnamon (for topping): Adds a crunchy, sweet finish that contrasts the soft custard.
- Butter: The magic ingredient for that delectable, crumbly topping.
Variations
The beauty of French Toast Casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences—it’s as easy as swapping or adding a few ingredients!
- Sweet Touch: Add thinly sliced apples or a handful of blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Savory Twist: Incorporate bacon or sausage for a savory kick that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness.
- Nuts and Bolts: Toss in pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
How to Make French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and arrange them evenly in a greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish. This ensures that every piece absorbs the delightful custard mixture.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, making sure it’s thoroughly soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
To create the topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake the casserole.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the crumbly topping over the prepared bread mixture. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, depending on your preferred texture—softer or crisper.
Pro Tips for Making French Toast Casserole
- Bread Choice Matters: For the best texture, use sturdy breads like sourdough or brioche that won’t turn to mush when soaked.
- Overnight Magic: Allowing the casserole to sit overnight deepens flavors and results in a more custardy texture.
- Crisp Topping: For a crunchier topping, use your fingers to crumble the topping over the casserole evenly just before baking.
- Go Nuts: Add crushed nuts like pecans to the topping for an extra nutty crunch.
How to Serve French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate this sweet delight to new heights!
Side Dishes
Pair your French Toast Casserole with a fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or scrambled eggs for a complete, satisfying, and balanced brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for personalized portions or as a centerpiece in a beautiful dish surrounded by fresh fruit for a breakfast buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or transfer the pieces to an airtight container.
Freezing
To freeze, prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Wrap tightly with plastic and aluminum foil and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
Reheat individual pieces in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a fresh drizzle of maple syrup for added moisture.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or even half-and-half for a richer texture. Just keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor.
-
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute with a gluten-free bread. Ensure the bread has enough structure to absorb the custard without going soggy.
-
Can I prepare the topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mix and refrigerate the topping in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Sprinkle just before baking to keep it crisp and delicious.
-
What should I do if the top starts to brown too quickly?
If the top starts browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil after the first 30 minutes to prevent over-baking while ensuring the interior cooks thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
This French Toast Casserole is the epitome of comfort and indulgence, sure to make any morning feel special. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to bring a touch of warmth to their table. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and dive into the delicious world of baked breakfast goodness!
Print
French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This French Toast Casserole is a comforting overnight breakfast dish featuring buttery bread soaked in a rich custard and topped with a cinnamon-sugar crumble. Perfect for making ahead, it’s ideal for brunch gatherings or family mornings, offering a deliciously indulgent twist on classic French toast.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 1 (24-ounce) loaf sourdough bread (or brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and evenly scatter them in a greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish.
- Make the custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
- Prepare the topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly. Transfer the crumbly topping to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven: When ready to bake, set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble and bake: Uncover the casserole, sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread, and bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with syrup or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Make ahead of time: This dish can be prepped up to the baking stage and frozen with the topping stored separately. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
- Freezing: Leftovers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
- Variations: Add cooked bacon, cheese, or fruit to customize your casserole. For a sweeter touch, incorporate sliced apples or berries into the bread layer before soaking.
- Ensure the custard is evenly poured and bread is fully soaked for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *