This French Toast Casserole is a warm and cozy dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s packed with fluffy bread, delicious eggs, and a hint of sweet cinnamon!
I love making this on weekends when I want something special without too much fuss. Just prepare it the night before, let it sit, and pop it in the oven the next day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Thick-cut bread like challah or brioche works best for its softness and ability to soak up the egg mixture. If you need a substitute, use Texas toast, or any sturdy white bread. Whole grain or gluten-free bread can also work, but choose one that won’t fall apart easily.
Eggs: Using large eggs is standard for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use egg whites or egg substitutes. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but it will still taste great!
Milk & Cream: Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version. For dairy-free options, almond milk or oat milk work well. Heavy cream adds luxury, but you can skip it or use coconut cream for a non-dairy alternative.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical, but brown sugar can enhance the flavor with a bit of molasses. If you’re looking to cut sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup. Just adjust the liquid accordingly!
How Do You Ensure the Perfect Soaking of Bread?
The soaking process is vital for the right texture in your French Toast Casserole. You want the bread to absorb the egg mixture well before baking.
- After pouring the egg mixture over the cubed bread, gently press the bread down with the back of a spoon. This helps it soak up the custard better.
- Covering and refrigerating overnight is ideal, as it allows the bread to fully absorb flavors and prevents a soggy bottom.
- If you’re in a hurry, let it soak for at least 2 hours—the longer, the better!
Using these tips, you can achieve a fluffy and perfectly baked casserole that everyone will love! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of thick-cut bread (such as challah or brioche), cubed (about 8 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful French Toast Casserole requires about 15 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. Baking will take between 45 to 55 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour of active cooking time plus chill time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup much easier!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Now, take your loaf of thick-cut bread and cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place these cubes evenly into the greased baking dish, spreading them out as much as possible.
3. Mix the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs and add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and salt. Using a whisk, mix all the ingredients together until everything is combined smoothly. This mixture is what brings the flavor to your casserole!
4. Combine Bread and Custard:
Next, pour your egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with your fingers or a large spoon to help it absorb the custard. Make sure every piece of bread gets some liquid!
5. Add the Butter:
Now, drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread mixture. This will give the casserole a deliciously golden, crispy top when it bakes.
6. Chill the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This helps the bread absorb all the flavors and ensures a perfect texture!
7. Bake:
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and remove the foil. Place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup on top.
With this recipe, you will create a cozy and delicious French Toast Casserole that’s perfect for any breakfast or brunch gathering. Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While challah and brioche are ideal for their texture, you can also use Texas toast or any sturdy white bread. Whole grain or gluten-free bread can work, but ensure it won’t fall apart easily.
Is It Necessary to Refrigerate Overnight?
Not at all, but refrigerating overnight helps the bread absorb flavors and custard more effectively, resulting in a delicious, creamy texture. If you’re short on time, refrigerating for at least 2 hours will also work!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. For a richer flavor, consider using full-fat coconut milk as a replacement for heavy cream.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or bake it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.