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

Scale

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