French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French toast casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of traditional French toast without standing over the stove flipping each slice. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead of time for busy mornings. The warm, cinnamon-infused bread absorbs the custard mixture and bakes up beautifully, with a golden top and soft, tender interior. Add in your favorite toppings like maple syrup, berries, or whipped cream, and you’ve got a breakfast that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (such as challah, brioche, or French bread), cubed

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.

4. Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, making sure all pieces are well soaked. Use a spoon to press the bread down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

5. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.

6. After the casserole has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.

7. Dot the top of the casserole with the cubed butter.

8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. You can test doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean when the casserole is fully baked.

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, top with fresh berries, or sprinkle with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 8-10 servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Chill time: 2 hours (or overnight)

• Cook time: 40-45 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes (if refrigerating overnight)

Variations

• Berry French Toast Casserole: Add fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries) into the bread mixture before baking for added flavor and color.

• Nutty French Toast Casserole: Sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before baking for extra crunch.

• Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole: Add chocolate chips or chunks into the bread mixture for a decadent twist.

• Caramel French Toast Casserole: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the casserole before baking or after it’s finished baking for extra sweetness.

• Vegan French Toast Casserole: Use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk), vegan butter, and an egg replacer (like flax eggs or chia eggs) to make a vegan version of this casserole.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover French toast casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until warmed through. If reheating individual portions, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this French toast casserole the night before?

Yes! In fact, refrigerating it overnight helps the bread soak up the custard mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and well-set casserole. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.

2. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Day-old bread works best because it’s a bit firmer and absorbs the custard better. However, fresh bread can be used if necessary. Just cut it into thicker slices or cubes and let it sit out for an hour to dry out a bit.

3. Can I make this casserole without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg replacer like flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) to make the casserole egg-free.

4. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! You can use any bread you like—brioche, challah, French bread, or even whole-grain bread. The richer the bread, the more decadent the casserole.

5. Can I make a smaller portion of French toast casserole?

Absolutely! You can halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller 8×8-inch baking dish, reducing the cook time by about 10 minutes.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Pour the custard-soaked bread mixture into a greased slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the top is golden and set.

7. Can I use maple syrup in the custard mixture?

Yes, you can replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a more authentic maple flavor. Just reduce the amount of milk slightly to balance the moisture.

8. How do I make this casserole extra crispy on top?

To achieve a crispy, crunchy top, try adding a crumb topping made of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle it over the casserole before baking.

9. Can I serve this casserole with a topping?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for toppings like whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also drizzle extra maple syrup on top for a sweeter finish.

Conclusion

French toast casserole is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines the best parts of traditional French toast with the convenience of a baked dish. It’s perfect for making ahead, feeding a crowd, or treating yourself to a cozy breakfast. The custardy, cinnamon-spiced bread is delicious on its own, but the endless possibilities for toppings and add-ins make it even more special. Whether you like it sweet or with a touch of savory, this casserole will quickly become a breakfast favorite in your home!

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