This French Toast Casserole is a delicious breakfast treat with soft bread soaked in a sweet egg mixture. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead of time!
The best part? You can top it with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for extra yum! I love waking up to this—no morning stress, just a cozy meal awaits!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread or Brioche: Day-old bread is essential as it soaks up the custard without falling apart. If you don’t have either, any sturdy bread like challah or even sourdough can work. I’ve used whole grain bread in a pinch, and it adds a nice flavor!
Eggs: The eggs help bind the mixture and create that delightful custard. For a vegan option, you can substitute with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) or a commercial egg replacer. Just make sure to adjust the liquid accordingly!
Milk and Heavy Cream: I like using whole milk for richness, paired with heavy cream for creaminess. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or a low-fat milk. Just be cautious—non-dairy milk can change the texture a bit.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the custard. You can replace it with coconut sugar or even maple syrup for a natural sweetener. Adjust the liquid in the recipe if using syrup.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classics for flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of ginger or allspice for a little twist. I often sprinkle a bit of cardamom to elevate the taste even more!
How Can You Ensure Perfect Custard Soaking?
The soaking process is crucial to the texture of the casserole. Here’s how to make sure it’s just right:
- Make sure to use stale or day-old bread—it’s drier and will absorb the liquid better.
- When pouring the egg mixture over the bread, gently press down on the cubes to encourage soaking.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer it sits, the better the flavor!
- Before baking, allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes. This helps it bake evenly.
With these tips and adjustments, you’re all set to create a delicious and satisfying French Toast Casserole that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Sliced bananas or fresh fruit (optional, for topping)
- Butter slices (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 4 hours (or overnight) to let the bread soak in the custard. Baking will take about 45-55 minutes, so plan for a cozy breakfast that’s ready to serve in about 5-6 hours total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Next, spread the cubed French bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This is the foundation for your delicious casserole!
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is combined and smooth. This will create a tasty custard that soaks into the bread.
4. Pour Over Bread:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread, making sure all of the bread gets soaked. Press down lightly on the bread with a spatula or your hands to help it absorb the liquid.
5. Add the Sweet Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the packed light brown sugar and melted butter together until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread to create a sweet, crunchy topping.
6. Chill the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish securely with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight so the bread has time to soak up all that yummy custard.
7. Prepare to Bake:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it bake evenly.
8. Bake the Casserole:
Uncover the dish and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
9. Cool and Dust:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. Dust the top with powdered sugar for that finishing touch!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, topped with fresh fruit like sliced bananas, a pat of butter, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. This French Toast Casserole is the perfect cozy breakfast for any occasion!
Enjoy this comforting and delicious French Toast Casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weekend brunch!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bread! Just make sure to thaw it first and let it sit out for about 30 minutes before cutting it into cubes. This will help it absorb the custard better.
Can I Make This Casserole Without Dairy?
Absolutely! You can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just ensure they are unsweetened and unflavored for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the bread mixture for added flavor. Just be mindful of the quantity to ensure it doesn’t become too dense.