This French Toast Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. With layers of bread soaked in sweet egg mixture, it’s like a big hug on a plate!
I love how easy it is to make—just mix, pour, and bake. Plus, it smells heavenly while cooking. Who wouldn’t want to start their day with a slice of this tasty treat? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah are perfect for this dish because they’re rich and fluffy. If you can’t find them, any sturdy bread like sourdough or Texas toast will work. Just avoid soft sandwich bread as it might get too mushy.
Eggs: The number of eggs in this recipe gives it a rich texture. If you want a lighter version, you could try using fewer eggs—maybe 6 or even incorporate some egg whites. Just keep in mind it may change the texture a bit!
Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream create a creamy custard, but you can substitute with lower-fat milk or dairy-free options like almond or oat milk. If you go dairy-free, be sure to check labels for shelf-stable options to soak the bread well.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch, but if you or your guests have nut allergies, you can leave them out or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for some texture.
How Can I Ensure My Casserole is Perfectly Soaked?
Getting the bread well-soaked is the key to a moist French Toast Casserole. One important step is to press the bread cubes down gently into the custard after pouring it over.
- Mix the egg mixture well to ensure everything is well combined.
- Take your time to make sure every cube is submerged and soaked. You want the bread to absorb all that flavorful custard!
- Refrigerating it for at least 2 hours (or overnight) allows the bread to soak up the milk and egg mixture further—it’s worth the wait!
These tips will help make sure your casserole has a lovely texture when baked. Happy baking!
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 8 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 unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup or honey, for serving
- Optional toppings: banana slices or berries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll want to let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to soak in all the flavors. Baking it will take another 50-55 minutes. So, if you’re planning for brunch, start early, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cube Your Bread
Take your brioche or challah and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Spread these cubes evenly into the greased baking dish so they’re all in a single layer.
3. Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg (if using), and salt. Make sure everything is combined well! This mixture will make your casserole nice and rich.
4. Soak the Bread
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to ensure all pieces are soaked in the custard mixture.
5. Add the Butter and Nuts
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the soaked bread. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the casserole for some extra crunch.
6. Refrigerate to Soak
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This soaking time is key for letting the bread absorb all that yummy custard!
7. Bake the Casserole
When you’re ready to bake, take the dish out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it to bake evenly. Bake it covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
8. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting it into squares. Dust the top with powdered sugar, and if you like, add banana slices or berries. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for that perfect finish!
Enjoy your comforting, delicious French Toast Casserole! It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Can I Use Stale Bread for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Stale bread is actually great for French Toast Casserole since it absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can also leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit before using it.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this casserole vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), use almond or soy milk in place of whole milk, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just make sure to choose a vegan bread too!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Can I Freeze the Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as outlined in the recipe.
