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Start your morning with my French Toast Casserole and make breakfast the best part of your day. It’s easy to make and combines soft, eggy bread with a sweet, crunchy topping.
Easy French Toast Casserole
I absolutely love making this French Toast Casserole on weekends; it’s my little secret to a stress-free, gourmet breakfast. This recipe works its magic overnight, turning simple ingredients into a delightful blend of creamy, custardy goodness with a sweet, crunchy topping. It’s the perfect dish for those lazy mornings when you want something special without any hassle – a true crowd-pleaser that makes me feel like a culinary genius!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- French Bread: I use this for its sturdy texture that soaks up the egg mixture well. If you don’t have French bread, brioche or challah are great alternatives for a richer taste.
- Eggs: They’re essential for binding everything together and giving that lovely custard-like feel.
- Whole Milk: 3% or 2% milk works great. If you’re out, half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little heavy cream works too.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the dish an extra luxurious, creamy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: You can replace it with honey or maple syrup in a pinch.
- Vanilla Extract: It adds a lovely depth of flavor. Almond extract can be a good substitute, but use less as it’s stronger.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and complexity. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste or use pumpkin pie spice as a change-up.
Topping
- Butter: I prefer unsalted but use whatever you have.
- Light Brown Sugar: It adds a caramel-like sweetness to the topping. You can use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: A gluten-free flour blend could work if you’re avoiding gluten.
Prepare The Casserole
To make the French Toast Casserole, start by cutting French bread into cubes and tightly packing them into a greased baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then pour this mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
Make The Topping
The next day, preheat your oven. Mix softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to make a crumbly topping, and sprinkle this over the soaked bread.
Bake The Casserole
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the rich, custardy interior and the sweet, crispy topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is actually designed to be prepared ahead. Just assemble it the night before and pop it in the fridge. The next morning, add the topping and bake. It’s a fantastic time-saver for a stress-free morning!
Can I add fruit to the casserole?
Yes, you can! Berries or sliced apples can be a delicious addition. Just layer them over the bread before pouring the egg mixture. They add a lovely burst of flavor and make the dish even more special.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. This usually takes about 45 minutes. If you insert a knife in the center and it comes out mostly clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Expert Tips
- Dry the Bread: If your bread is too fresh, dry it out in the oven for a bit. This helps it soak up the egg mixture better, resulting in a custard-like texture.
- Even Layering: Make sure to layer the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. This ensures every piece gets properly soaked and cooks evenly.
- Check the Custard Soak: Press down the bread gently after adding the egg mixture to make sure it’s fully submerged. This guarantees a consistent, moist texture throughout.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allow the assembled casserole to rest in the fridge overnight. This step is key for the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Nuts, chocolate chips, or a dash of powdered sugar can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Storage
For any leftover French Toast Casserole, make sure it cools down to room temperature first. Once cool, you can store it in an airtight container, or if it’s in the baking dish, just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
To freeze, wrap individual portions in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, if it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until it’s nicely warmed through.
More Breakfast Recipes
- Breakfast Burritos
- Skillet Breakfast Hash
- Blueberry Bars
- Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
- Overnight Breakfast Casserole
French Toast Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter softned
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Arrange the bread cubes tightly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix together butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to make a crumbly topping. Sprinkle this evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake the casserole for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed as is or with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Tips & Notes:
- Bread Type Matters: Choose a sturdy bread like French bread, brioche, or challah for best results. These types absorb the egg mixture well without getting too soggy.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite spices to the custard or toppings like nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for a stress-free, delicious breakfast.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat for a quick and tasty meal.
