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French Toast Casserole

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French toast casserole combines the classic flavors of French toast in a make-ahead, easy-to-bake dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing for busy mornings. This indulgent breakfast or brunch treat is customizable and always a hit.

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)

Instructions

  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 chilling, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes.
  7. Dot the top of the casserole with cubed butter.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
  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.

Notes

For added crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.If you want a crispy top, add a crumb topping made of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon before baking.Feel free to use different types of bread such as brioche, French bread, or even whole-grain bread depending on your preference.If using fresh bread, let it sit out for an hour to dry slightly before cubing for the best texture.

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