French Toast Casserole
French Toast Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Delight
Turn your mornings into a celebration with this French Toast Casserole, a dish that combines indulgence with convenience. Perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts, it’s a hassle-free alternative to traditional French toast with all the flavor and none of the fuss.
Crafted with tender cubes of bread soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, this casserole bakes to golden perfection. A buttery brown sugar topping creates a luscious caramelized crust, while the interior remains irresistibly soft and moist.
Whether topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries, this dish promises to delight every palate. Prepare it the night before for stress-free hosting and wake up to a breakfast that’s both crowd-pleasing and effortless.
French Toast Casserole Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
Day-Old French Bread
The foundation of this casserole, its texture and slight staleness soak up the custard, ensuring every bite is perfectly moist yet structured.
Whole Milk
This rich, creamy liquid forms the heart of the custard, infusing the bread with tenderness and flavor.
Eggs
Essential for binding, they create the silky custard base while adding depth and richness to the dish.
Light Brown Sugar
A sweet touch that complements the warm cinnamon spice, adding a hint of caramel undertone throughout.
Vanilla Extract
A fragrant accent that enhances the overall sweetness with its aromatic allure.
Ground Cinnamon
The soul of cozy breakfast flavors, it weaves warmth and nostalgia into every forkful.
Butter
Melted and golden, it enriches the casserole while contributing to the irresistible, caramel-like topping.
French Toast Casserole: Elevate Your Breakfast Game
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Bread
Opt for day-old French bread, brioche, or challah for the best texture. Their slight dryness helps absorb the custard evenly, creating a moist, tender interior. If the crust is thick, remove it to ensure even baking. - Refrigeration is Key
For deeper flavor and optimal texture, let the casserole soak in the custard overnight in the refrigerator. This gives the bread plenty of time to absorb the liquid, ensuring every bite is perfectly infused with flavor. - Caramelize the Topping
Spread the butter-sugar mixture evenly on top right before baking for a crisp, caramelized crust. If you’ve refrigerated the topping, warm it slightly to make spreading easier and ensure it melts into the casserole seamlessly.
What to Serve with French Toast Casserole
- Fresh Fruit Medley
A bowl of mixed berries, melon, or sliced citrus provides a refreshing contrast to the casserole’s richness. Their natural sweetness and acidity balance the dish beautifully. - Crispy Bacon or Sausage Links
Savory sides like bacon or sausage add a satisfying salty crunch that complements the casserole’s sweetness, creating a harmonious brunch spread. - Yogurt Parfaits
Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy addition. It pairs well with the casserole’s caramelized topping and brings a lighter element to the meal.
FAQ
1. Can I make French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking for the best results.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble it through Step 2, freeze it tightly wrapped, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Proceed with the recipe from Step 3.
3. Can I use non-dairy milk or substitutes?
Non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk work well as substitutes. Ensure the flavor complements the custard, and consider adding a touch more sugar if using unsweetened varieties.
4. How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Use slightly stale bread, and avoid over-soaking the custard. Bake until the casserole is golden and slightly firm to the touch to achieve the perfect texture.
With these tips, serving ideas, and answers to common questions, your French Toast Casserole is sure to be the star of any breakfast or brunch spread!
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for greasing
- 10 cups of bread cubes 1-inch pieces from a day-old loaf of French bread
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 large eggs
- ¼ cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- For the Topping:
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of kosher salt
- Optional for Serving:
- Fresh berries powdered sugar, maple syrup, or toasted chopped nuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish
- Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter. Arrange the bread cubes in the dish, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Mix the Custard
- In a medium-sized bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Custard and Bread
- Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread into the liquid to ensure maximum absorption. Cover the dish and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
- Preheat the Oven and Make the Topping
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. While the oven heats, let the casserole return to room temperature if refrigerated. Prepare the topping by mixing the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- Apply the Topping
- Spoon dollops of the topping mixture across the casserole’s surface, then spread it gently to cover evenly. If the topping has been refrigerated, rewarm it slightly to ease spreading.
- Bake
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let it cool briefly, then slice into squares and serve warm with your desired toppings.
- Tips
- To dry bread cubes quickly, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly dry but not browned.
- For long-term storage, assemble through Step 2, refrigerate for several hours, then freeze tightly covered. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with Step 3.
