Description
This delicious French Toast Casserole combines fluffy bread cubes soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, baked to perfection with a caramelized brown sugar and butter topping. It’s a comforting, make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
French Bread and Topping
- 1/2 a loaf of French bread (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Custard Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
Brown Sugar and Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter (about 1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Butter a 13×9 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the Caramel Base: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour the caramel into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the bottom.
- Add Bread Cubes: Place the bread cubes evenly over the caramel mixture, pressing gently to ensure they sit on the caramel base.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are saturated. Sprinkle the remaining teaspoon of cinnamon and the brown sugar over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Best Bread to Use: Use slightly dry French bread for optimal soaking and texture. For extra dryness, let sliced bread sit out overnight or dry it in the oven at low heat.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed.
- Freezer Option: Assemble, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
- Variations: Substitute gluten-free bread and dairy-free margarine and milk to accommodate dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
