Description
Heavenly French Toast Casserole merges bread pudding comfort with classic breakfast magic. Pillowy layers of cinnamon-soaked bread create a crowd-pleasing morning treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Distribute bread cubes uniformly across the prepared dish, creating an even layer.
- Combine eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently pour the liquid mixture over the bread cubes, using a spatula to softly press down and ensure each bread piece becomes thoroughly saturated.
- Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the bread to absorb the flavor-rich custard.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350F (175C).
- Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, maintaining consistent temperature.
- Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center appears set.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with preferred toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Choose day-old, slightly stale challah or brioche for maximum absorption and custardy texture.
- Prepare the casserole the night before to enhance flavor development and save morning prep time.
- Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, and use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly option.
- Gently press bread cubes while soaking to ensure even custard distribution and prevent dry spots.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg