Baked French Toast Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Baked French Toast Casserole is a perfect dish for any breakfast or brunch gathering. It’s easy to prepare the night before, making morning routines simpler. This recipe is great for serving a crowd, and it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it requires minimal effort. Plus, who doesn’t love the warm, sweet aroma of French toast filling their home?

How to Make Baked French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf challah or brioche bread
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Grease a baking dish. Cut the bread into cubes and place it in the dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir to combine.
3. Cover and refrigerate the casserole for at least 8 hours or overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. In a separate bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, flour, and nuts (if using) to form a crumbly topping.
6. Sprinkle the topping over the soaked bread mixture.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
8. Let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

How to Serve Baked French Toast Casserole

Serve this delicious casserole warm right out of the oven. Dust with powdered sugar for a nice touch. You can also add fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream on top. It makes a lovely centerpiece for brunch.

How to Store Baked French Toast Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again.

Tips to Make Baked French Toast Casserole

• Use day-old bread for the best texture. It absorbs the egg mixture better.
• Feel free to add your favorite fruits, like blueberries or strawberries, to the mixture before baking.
• For a sweeter taste, increase the amount of sugar or add some chocolate chips.

Variation

You can switch up the bread type or add different spices such as nutmeg for extra flavor. Try making it with whole grain bread for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare this casserole the day before?
Yes! In fact, it’s best if you prepare it the night before and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Can I freeze Baked French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives, like almond milk and coconut cream. Just ensure that the bread you use is also dairy-free.

Baked French Toast Casserole

A delicious and easy breakfast dish perfect for serving a crowd, this Baked French Toast Casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole

• 1 loaf loaf challah or brioche bread Use day-old bread for best texture.
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk Can be substituted with plant-based alternatives.
• 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with coconut cream.
• 3/4 cup sugar Increase for a sweeter taste.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Can add nutmeg for extra flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts Optional.
• Powdered sugar for serving Powdered sugar Optional, for dusting.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Grease a baking dish.
2. Cut the bread into cubes and place it in the dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate the casserole for at least 8 hours or overnight.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a separate bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, flour, and nuts (if using) to form a crumbly topping.
3. Sprinkle the topping over the soaked bread mixture.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
5. Let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Feel free to add your favorite fruits like blueberries or strawberries to the mixture before baking.