This French Toast Casserole is like a cozy hug on a plate! It’s soft bread soaked in a sweet egg mixture, topped with yummy cinnamon and maybe some fresh fruit.
It’s perfect for breakfast gatherings or lazy weekends. I love how easy it is to prepare ahead of time—just bake it and enjoy the warm, delicious goodness with family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick bread like brioche or challah is ideal for this dish; it soaks up the egg mixture nicely. If you need a substitute, French bread, sourdough, or even whole grain bread works well. Just avoid very soft breads unless you want a mushier texture!
Eggs: Six large eggs are essential for this casserole’s custard-like consistency. For a lighter option, you can use egg substitutes or flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water equals one egg) if you’re looking to avoid animal products.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich flavor and texture. You can use any dairy milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, but avoid sweetened versions as they can alter the flavor. If you skip the cream, just add an extra cup of milk!
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness. If you prefer a less refined option, coconut sugar or honey can substitute, but remember honey will add a unique flavor and you might want to reduce the liquid slightly.
How Do You Ensure That the Bread Absorbs the Custard Properly?
The key to a tasty French Toast Casserole is letting the bread soak up the custard. To do this, make sure to press the bread down gently after pouring the egg mixture over it. This helps every piece soak up the flavors.
- Prepare the bread cubes and arrange them in the dish evenly to promote even absorption.
- After pouring the custard mixture, use a spatula to press the bread into the liquid. Wait for 15-20 minutes, or even longer in the fridge, to ensure it soaks in properly.
By allowing the bread to soak, you’ll achieve a wonderfully moist casserole with a delicious texture!
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of thick bread (such as brioche or challah), cubed (about 6 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for greasing)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh strawberries or other fruit, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French Toast Casserole requires about 20 minutes of prep time, followed by about 45-55 minutes of baking. Make sure to allow a little extra time for it to cool before serving, or you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge overnight—just bake it in the morning for a delightful breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use the melted butter to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick. This is an important step to ensure easy serving!
2. Assemble the Bread:
Take your cubed bread and arrange it evenly in the prepared baking dish. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just try to spread it out a bit so it cooks evenly.
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Keep whisking until everything is nicely combined and a bit frothy.
4. Combine Bread with Custard:
Now, pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread. Use your hands or a spatula to gently press the bread down to help it soak up the custard—this is the secret to making it soft and dreamy!
5. Let It Rest:
Allow the mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes. This resting time gives the bread a chance to absorb all that delicious custard, making each bite creamy and flavorful.
6. Bake It Up:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden brown on top and a set custard. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary depending on your oven!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a s tasty touch. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and any fresh fruit you like!
Enjoy this cozy, comforting French Toast Casserole with your family and friends! It’s the perfect way to start your day! 😊
Can I Use Day-Old Bread for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Day-old bread works great for French Toast Casserole as it’s drier and will absorb the custard mixture better. If your bread is fresh, you can let it sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly before using it.
Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before! Simply assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Can I Add Additional Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your casserole by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or berries before baking. Just keep in mind that adding too many moist ingredients could affect the custard’s consistency, so adjust accordingly!
