Traditional French Toast Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Traditional French Toast Casserole is a delightful and simple breakfast dish perfect for feeding a crowd. It combines the comforting flavors of brioche and warm spices, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or a cozy weekend treat. This recipe allows you to prepare it the night before, so you can enjoy a stress-free morning while still serving something delicious.

How to Make Traditional French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf brioche (challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
3. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing the bread down lightly so it absorbs the liquid.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
7. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
8. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

How to Serve Traditional French Toast Casserole

Serve the casserole warm right out of the oven. Drizzle with maple syrup for sweetness, sprinkle with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, or add fresh berries for a burst of flavor. You can offer a variety of toppings for guests to choose from, making each serving unique.

How to Store Traditional French Toast Casserole

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Tips to Make Traditional French Toast Casserole

• For best results, use day-old bread as it soaks up the custard mixture better.
• Feel free to add your favorites like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for extra flavor.
• If you want a crunchy topping, sprinkle some brown sugar on top before baking.

Variation

You can easily make a pumpkin spice version by adding canned pumpkin and a bit of nutmeg to the egg mixture. This adds a festive twist, perfect for fall!

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this dish the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it in the morning.

2. What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Brioche is preferred for its richness, but challah or French bread work well too.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make the casserole gluten-free.

4. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The top should be golden brown and the center should be set, not jiggly.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Cut them into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Traditional French Toast Casserole

This traditional French toast casserole is a crowd-pleaser, combining classic flavors with the convenience of a make-ahead dish. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a festive brunch.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings 8 slices

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• large bowl
• whisk
• measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

Casserole

• 1 loaf thick-sliced bread
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Slice the bread into 1-inch thick pieces and arrange them in a single layer in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
• Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

Baking

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the egg mixture. You can also add fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.