Traditional French Toast Casserole

Before the hustle and bustle of life takes over, there’s a moment in the kitchen that invites you to slow down and savor the flavors. Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute go-to recipes for breakfast (or brunch, or dinner if you’re feeling rebellious)—the Traditional French Toast Casserole. Imagine waking up to the warm scent of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air, a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. Not only does it look beautiful when served, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that comes together with ease. Let me guide you through this delectable dish, which is sure to add some French flair to your morning routine!

Reasons to try it

Why should you consider whipping up this French Toast Casserole? Well, for starters, it’s a genius way to use up that loaf of brioche (or challah, or even a good ol’ French baguette). But more than that, it transforms those simple ingredients into a dish that is so much greater than the sum of its parts. This casserole is unapologetically indulgent yet surprisingly simple—perfect for a cozy Sunday brunch or a festive occasion!

There’s a delightful interplay of textures: crisp on top, with a soft, custard-like interior that melts in your mouth. It’s like your favorite French toast, only better since you’re not standing by the stove flipping slices one by one. It’s the dish that allows you to relax while your oven does the work. As an added bonus, you can prepare it the night before, leaving a mere matter of minutes for baking the next morning. Reason enough to give it a try, right?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about the key players in this French Toast symphony. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Brioche (or Challah or French Bread) – A loaf of any of these will do. Cut it into 1-inch cubes; the bread provides that rich, buttery base that makes this dish irresistible.

2. Eggs – Six large eggs are the magic that binds everything together, creating that custardy delight.

3. Whole Milk – We’re using two cups of whole milk to add creaminess. You could swap it for almond milk or oat milk if you’re going dairy-free!

4. Granulated Sugar – Half a cup brings that necessary sweetness to balance the flavors beautifully.

5. Vanilla Extract – A tablespoon of pure vanilla extract really elevates the taste, ensuring your casserole has that irresistible aroma.

6. Ground Cinnamon – A teaspoon of cinnamon adds warmth and depth; it’s the spice that hugs you on a chilly morning.

7. Salt – Just a 1/4 teaspoon to enhance all those wonderful flavors.

8. Unsalted Butter – Half a cup, melted, for drizzling—you can never go wrong with a little extra richness.

Remember, cooking is all about improvisation! If you’re missing a specific ingredient, feel free to use what you have on hand. There’s a world of possibilities out there.

How this recipe comes together

Now, let’s dive into the process of crafting this delectable French Toast Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, a crucial first step to ensure even baking.

2. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so your casserole won’t stick. You’ll thank yourself later.

3. Arrange the bread: Spread those lovely bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish. Get them cozy in there; it’s going to be a tight fit!

4. Mix the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Blend until everything is well combined—it should be a silky mixture.

5. Pour over the bread: Gently pour this rich custard over your bed of bread, pressing down lightly to help it absorb all that goodness.

6. Drizzle the butter: Next, drizzle the melted butter across the top, adding that touch of decadence we all crave.

7. Soak it up: Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custardy goodness. Patience is key here—this step is pure magic.

8. Bake: Pop it in the oven for about 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

9. Cool and serve: Let it cool slightly after baking. It’s music to your ears when you hear the gentle bubbling from the oven—always a good sign!

Best way to enjoy it

Now, onto the best part—serving this masterpiece! Once it’s out and slightly cooled, get ready to dish it up. I love serving it warm, topped with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for that touch of elegance. Fresh berries—like strawberries or blueberries—add a delightful contrast and a pop of color, making it not only delicious but beautifully vibrant on the plate!

Feel free to get creative; serving with a dollop of whipped cream is another fantastic way to elevate the flavors. You could even pair it with crispy bacon or sausage for some savory goodness, striking that perfect balance between sweet and savory.

How to store and freeze

So, what if you have leftovers? (And trust me, you might!) This casserole keeps brilliantly. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it! Just slice it up after it has cooled completely, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Pro chef tips

Let’s ensure your French Toast Casserole turns out as mouthwatering as possible! Here are some nifty insider tips:

• Quality bread: Don’t skimp on the bread. Go for a rich brioche or challah—this is what makes or breaks your dish!

• Customize flavors: Consider toasting your spices briefly in the pan before adding them to the eggs for an extra depth of flavor.

• Overnight magic: If you’re planning ahead, prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate. Just remember to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

• Don’t skip the salt: It might seem minor, but the salt brings all those sweet, warm flavors together.

Creative Twists

What if you want to switch it up a little? The beauty of the French Toast Casserole is its flexibility! Here are a few variations you might consider:

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for that delightful crunch.

• Fruit Fusion: Swap in slices of banana or chunks of apple for a fruitier version. Fold them right into the bread cubes for added sweetness.

• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle some chocolate chips between the layers before pouring on the custard for a decadent treat.

• Savory Spin: Feeling adventurous? Try adding sautéed spinach and ricotta to make it a savory brunch option.

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 to follow

1. Preheat 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 to absorb the liquid.
6. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
7. Let sit for 10 minutes to soak.
8. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until golden brown and set.
9. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Common questions

• Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.

• How long does it take to bake? About 40 minutes, but keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.

• Can I use skim or low-fat milk? While it’s best with whole milk for creaminess, feel free to use what you have on hand!

• Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Just slice it up and freeze in individual portions.

• What can I substitute for eggs? You might try a combination of flaxseed meal and water, or a commercial egg replacer—just be mindful of texture!

Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a fun brunch with friends, I hope this Traditional French Toast Casserole brings warmth, comfort, and joy to your table. The beauty of cooking is not just in the eating but in the making—so roll up your sleeves, pour your love into this dish, and perhaps, share your experience with a friend or two. Happy cooking!

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Traditional French Toast Casserole

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 65 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: Year-round

Description

This Traditional French Toast Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

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

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare Baking Dish

   Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
   Mark as complete

3. Arrange Bread

   Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix Custard

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
   Blend until the mixture is silky.
   Mark as complete

5. Pour Custard

   Gently pour this mixture over the bread, pressing down lightly to help it absorb.
   Mark as complete

6. Drizzle Butter

   Drizzle the melted butter across the top of the casserole.
   Mark as complete

7. Soak

   Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes.
   This allows the bread to soak up the custard.
   Mark as complete

8. Bake

   Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and set.
   Mark as complete

9. Cool and Serve

   Let the casserole cool slightly before serving warm.
   Enjoy with toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 220mg74%

Sodium 300mg13%

Potassium 250mg8%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 12g

Protein 8g16%

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Vitamin A 15 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 15 mg

Iron 10 mg

Vitamin D 2 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: French Toast, Casserole, Breakfast, Brunch, Easy Recipe