French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast dish that combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a casserole. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any occasion when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The casserole is prepared the night before, allowing the bread to soak up the rich, custard-like mixture, and then baked to golden perfection in the morning. With its sweet, comforting flavors and crispy edges, this French Toast Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients for French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf of French bread or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream
How to Make French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Begin by cutting the French bread or challah into 1-inch cubes. Arrange the bread cubes in a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring that all the bread pieces are soaked. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a rich and creamy casserole.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
When you are ready to bake the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Before baking, drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the French Toast Casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream for a truly decadent breakfast experience.
About the Main Ingredients
French Bread or Challah
The choice of bread is crucial for this recipe. French bread or challah works best due to their firm texture, which holds up well when soaked in the custard mixture. Challah, with its slightly sweet and rich flavor, adds an extra layer of decadence to the dish.
Eggs
Eggs are the backbone of the custard mixture, providing structure and richness. They help to bind the ingredients together and create a creamy, custard-like texture when baked.
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream
The combination of whole milk and heavy cream results in a rich and velvety custard. Whole milk provides a creamy base, while heavy cream adds a luxurious thickness and depth of flavor.
Sugars
A mixture of granulated sugar and brown sugar is used in this recipe. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar contributes a hint of molasses flavor and a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. The sugars also help to create a slightly crispy and caramelized top.
Spices and Vanilla
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract add warmth and depth of flavor to the custard mixture. These spices complement the sweetness of the casserole and enhance the overall taste, making it reminiscent of traditional French toast.
Butter
Melted butter is drizzled over the top of the casserole before baking, adding a rich, buttery flavor and helping to achieve a golden, crispy top. Butter also adds moisture, ensuring that the casserole is tender and flavorful.
Optional Toppings
To elevate the French Toast Casserole, you can add various toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream. These toppings add sweetness, freshness, and a touch of indulgence, making the dish even more enjoyable.
This French Toast Casserole recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. By preparing it the night before, you can save time in the morning and still serve a homemade, comforting breakfast. The combination of rich custard, sweet spices, and buttery bread makes this casserole a perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch menu. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and savor each delightful bite.
