Description
Heavenly French Toast Casserole merges classic breakfast comfort with rich, custardy layers of bread and sweet spices. Maple syrup and cream cheese elevate this indulgent dish, promising a delightful morning experience you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf brioche or French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Arrange bread cubes uniformly across the bottom of the dish, creating an even, compact layer.
- Combine eggs, milk, cream, brown and white sugars, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, using gentle pressure to ensure each bread piece is thoroughly saturated and absorbs the liquid.
- Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to fully soak.
- Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack positioned in the middle position.
- Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top of the casserole to enhance golden browning.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a rich golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to help it set and become easier to portion.
- Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar and serve warm with pure maple syrup on the side.
Notes
- Ensure bread is slightly stale or day-old for better absorption of the custard mixture, preventing soggy texture.
- Experiment with different bread types like brioche, challah, or sourdough to create unique flavor profiles and textures.
- Customize the dish by adding mix-ins like chopped nuts, berries, or chocolate chips before baking for extra excitement and personal touch.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives for a dietary-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 373 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 158 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 147 mg