Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This baked French toast casserole is a comforting and easy breakfast dish perfect for weekends or special occasions. Made with brioche bread soaked in a rich custard and topped with a cinnamon sugar crumble, it bakes to golden perfection. Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries for a delightful start to your day.
Ingredients
- 1 pound brioche bread (or French bread)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cut the brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, white sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread pieces, pressing gently to ensure all bread is soaked.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and cubed cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until crumbly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar crumble evenly over the soaked bread in the casserole dish.
- Step 7: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a toothpick inserted should come out clean).
- Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with warm maple syrup and fresh berries if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old brioche for better texture as it absorbs the custard more evenly without becoming mushy.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten the dish slightly.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard mixture for extra warmth and flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cream with coconut or almond milk.
- Prepare the casserole the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate to save time in the morning.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, brioche is preferred for its richness and texture, but French bread, challah, or even sandwich bread can be used. Just make sure it is slightly stale to soak up the custard well.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Baked French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish featuring tender brioche bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, topped with a delightful cinnamon sugar crumb topping. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a perfect weekend brunch or a festive holiday treat.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Casserole
- 1 pound brioche bread (or French bread), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the bread: Cut the brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the custard mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine custard with bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread pieces, making sure all pieces are well soaked.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons white sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Optionally, top with warm maple syrup and fresh berries for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Using brioche bread gives the casserole a rich, buttery flavor and a tender crumb, but French bread or challah can also work well.
- For best results, cube the butter for the topping cold and mix quickly to create a crumbly texture.
- Allow the casserole to soak for at least 15 minutes before baking if time permits; this helps the custard absorb into the bread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; they also freeze well for future breakfasts.
- Adding fresh fruit or nuts to the topping can add extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Baked French Toast Casserole, French toast bake, breakfast casserole, cinnamon sugar topping, brioche breakfast
