French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional French toast, offering all the flavors you love in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish. By layering cubed French bread in a rich custard mixture overnight, it transforms into a creamy and indulgent breakfast treat with a crispy top layer when baked. Perfect for feeding a group or enjoying as a make-ahead meal, French Toast Casserole combines convenience with classic flavors, making it a beloved option for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients:
1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, about 10-12 cups
8 large eggs
2 cups milk, whole or 2%
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
Optional: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, for topping
Instructions:
Prepare the Bread:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In the dish, spread the bread evenly, topped with the bread cubes.
Now, prepare the custard mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and salt until well combined.
Pour over bread:
Pour egg mixture over bread and spread to cover the bread entirely. Press down on the bread lightly. This will ensure that bread is coated with liquid. Wrap dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. This allows the bread time to soak up the custard.
Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine cold butter pieces with brown sugar. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Bake the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Take out the casserole dish from the refrigerator and uncover it. Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the bread mixture.
Bake:
Bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center set. If it is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the final 15 minutes of baking.
Serve:
Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Warm maple syrup on the side along with fresh berries. Notes:
This French toast casserole can be prepared a day in advance and placed in the refrigerator overnight for an easy, no-fuss breakfast or brunch.
Customize with chopped nuts, raisins, or different spices if desired, added to the custard mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in microwave or oven when ready to serve.
Benefits:
- Convenience: French Toast Casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, making it perfect for a hassle-free morning. Simply bake it in the morning for a delicious breakfast or brunch without much effort.
- Feeds a Crowd: This dish is great for serving a large group of people. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate more guests.
- Versatility: You can customize French Toast Casserole with various toppings such as fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or maple syrup. This allows you to cater to different tastes and preferences.
- Texture: Unlike traditional French toast made in a pan, French Toast Casserole has a soft and creamy texture on the inside with a slightly crispy top layer, adding to its appeal.
- Make-Ahead Option: By preparing it ahead of time and refrigerating overnight, you save time in the morning and ensure the bread cubes fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a moist and flavorful casserole.
- Leftovers: Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated easily. This makes it a practical choice for enjoying delicious breakfasts throughout the week or for a quick snack.
- Nutritional Balance: Depending on your choice of ingredients, French Toast Casserole can provide a balanced meal with carbohydrates from the bread, protein from the eggs, and calcium and other nutrients from the milk and cream.
- Comfort Food Appeal: It’s a comforting dish that evokes nostalgia and is loved by both children and adults alike. The warm and sweet flavors make it a satisfying treat for any occasion.
Overall, French Toast Casserole is a versatile and convenient dish that combines the classic flavors of French toast with the ease of a make-ahead casserole, making it a favorite for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
