Description
🍞✨ This French Toast Casserole is the ultimate cozy breakfast, combining rich flavors and a fluffy texture that everyone will love! 🥰🥖
🥐❤️ Perfect for special mornings or meal prepping, this recipe saves time while delivering a warm, satisfying treat every single bite! 😋🍽️
Ingredients
– French Bread: One loaf, preferably slightly stale, cut into 1-inch cubes. Alternatives include sourdough, brioche, challah, or Texas Toast.
– Eggs: 6 large eggs to provide the custard base for soaking the bread.
– Milk: 1¾ cups of whole milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream for a richer texture.
– Brown Sugar: ¼ cup of packed brown sugar to add sweetness to the custard mixture.
– Vanilla Extract: 1-2 teaspoons for aromatic warmth.
– Cinnamon: ¾ to 1 teaspoon for a touch of spice.
– Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
– Toppings: Brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture.
– Optional Vegan Substitutions: Vegan egg replacer and almond or soy milk for a plant-based version.
– Optional Gluten-Free Bread: Use gluten-free bread to meet dietary restrictions.
– Optional Low-Calorie Sweeteners: Natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup to reduce sugar.
– Optional Nuts Replacement: Seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for nut allergies.
– Optional Spices: Nutmeg or additional spices for variations.
Instructions
1. Begin by greasing a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or unsalted butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
2. Cut the loaf of slightly stale French bread into 1-inch cubes and place them evenly into the greased baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1¾ cups of whole milk, ¼ cup of packed brown sugar, 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, ¾ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring each piece is well soaked. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press the bread into the custard.
5. Prepare the topping by mixing brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread. Add optional chopped nuts or a small dollop of cold butter for added flavor and texture.
6. Cover the prepared baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) when ready to bake. Remove the French Toast Casserole from the fridge and discard the cover.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, ensuring the top turns golden brown and the center is set. For a softer interior, cover the casserole with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
9. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. This is an ideal time to prepare complementary toppings, like powdered sugar or maple syrup.
10. Serve the French Toast Casserole warm, garnished with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the sweet and spicy notes paired with its creamy custard texture.
Notes
1. Use slightly stale bread for the perfect texture and to avoid sogginess in your French Toast Casserole.
2. Prepare the casserole the night before to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard for a rich, flavorful dish.
3. Customize toppings and ingredients like nuts, fruits, or spices to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American