French Toast Casserole is a delightful and indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that brings together the comforting flavors of French toast in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing format. Perfect for holidays, weekend gatherings, or even a special weekday treat, this dish is a baked version of the classic French toast, offering a custardy, sweet, and slightly crispy texture that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply want to treat your family to something special, this French Toast Casserole recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients to Make French Toast Casserole

The beauty of French Toast Casserole lies in its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it an accessible dish for anyone to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bread: A sturdy bread like French bread, brioche, or challah works best.
• Eggs: The base of the custard mixture.
• Milk: Whole milk or half-and-half for richness.
• Heavy cream: Adds extra creaminess to the custard.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: For flavor.
• Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that pairs perfectly with French toast.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors.
• Butter: For greasing the baking dish and adding richness.
• Toppings: Optional toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries.

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How to Make French Toast Casserole – Step by Step

Making French Toast Casserole is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Follow these steps to create a delicious dish:

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into cubes or slices and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
4. Let it Rest: Cover the dish and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Serve: Let it cool slightly, then top with your favorite toppings and serve warm.

Tips and Notes

• Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard ensures a rich, flavorful casserole.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar in the custard.
• Add Toppings: Experiment with toppings like nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for added texture and flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the casserole to ensure it’s cooked through.

Which Bread is Best for French Toast Casserole?

The type of bread you use can make or break your French Toast Casserole. Here are some of the best options:

• French Bread: Sturdy and slightly chewy, it holds up well to the custard.
• Brioche: Rich and buttery, brioche adds a luxurious texture and flavor.
• Challah: Soft and slightly sweet, challah is another excellent choice.
• Sourdough: For a tangy twist, sourdough adds a unique flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Bread: If you’re avoiding gluten, use a high-quality gluten-free bread.

Can French Toast Casserole be Frozen?

Yes, French Toast Casserole can be frozen, making it a great make-ahead option. Here’s how:

1. Before Baking: Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
2. After Baking: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! French Toast Casserole is an excellent make-ahead dish. Simply prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it as directed. This makes it perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches.

Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options

If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy French Toast Casserole with a few simple swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for greasing the dish.

More Delicious Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

If you love French Toast Casserole, here are some other recipes you might enjoy:

• Pancakes: Fluffy and golden, perfect with maple syrup.
• Waffles: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
• Eggs Benedict: A classic brunch dish with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
• Breakfast Casserole: A savory option with eggs, cheese, and sausage.
• Overnight Oats: A healthy and convenient breakfast option.

Recipe: French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread, brioche, or challah (about 12-16 ounces)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the dish)
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes or slices. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
4. Rest: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries. Serve warm.

Notes

• For a richer casserole, use half-and-half instead of milk.
• Add a streusel topping for extra crunch: Mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

French Toast Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weekend breakfast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!