Description
French Toast Casserole packed with cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup. Quick, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (16 oz/450g) day-old French bread or brioche, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (63g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Bread Start by selecting a good-quality loaf of bread—French bread, brioche, or challah all work beautifully. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet for a few hours or overnight to become slightly stale. If you’re short on time, you can dry the bread in a 275°F (135°C) oven for about 10 minutes instead. This crucial step ensures your French Toast Casserole has the perfect texture.
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a delicious richness to the edges of your casserole. Place your dried bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure they’re distributed uniformly.
- Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely combined and slightly frothy. Take your time with this step—a well-mixed custard ensures even flavor distribution throughout your French toast bake.
- Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down gently on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (preferred).
- Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the cold butter cubes, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel will give your French Toast Casserole that irresistible crumbly, sweet topping.
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and take off the plastic wrap. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The casserole should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Allow your French Toast Casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the custard set up perfectly. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Americaine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370 per serving
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: French Toast Casserole