French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With layers of buttery brown sugar syrup and cinnamon-spiced custard-soaked bread, it creates a warm, comforting dish perfect for weekend mornings or holiday brunches.

Ingredients

• ½ a loaf of French bread (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
• Powdered sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 13×9 inch baking pan and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the 1 cup brown sugar until dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Spread the bread cubes evenly over the brown sugar and butter layer in the pan.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour this egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are well soaked.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and the tablespoon of brown sugar over the top of the soaked bread.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Remove from the oven and if desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
• Use day-old French bread for better absorption of the custard.
• Add a handful of fresh berries or chopped nuts for texture and flavor.
• Let the casserole soak for an hour or overnight in the refrigerator for a deeper custard infusion.

Storage

Store leftover French Toast Casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in a 350 degree oven for 10–15 minutes for a crispier top.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Yes, assembling the casserole the night before and letting it soak overnight in the refrigerator enhances the flavors and texture.

Can I use a different type of bread?

While French bread works best for its texture, you can substitute with brioche, challah, or any sturdy bread you have on hand.

French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 88 reviews

This French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish perfect for family gatherings or a special weekend brunch. Cubes of French bread are soaked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard, baked over a buttery brown sugar base until golden and caramelized. Topped optionally with powdered sugar, this easy-to-make casserole combines the flavors of traditional French toast with the convenience of a baked dish.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• ½ a loaf of French bread (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar

Custard Mixture

• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided

Topping

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Powdered sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 13×9 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to prepare for layering the casserole.
2. Make the brown sugar butter base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the ½ cup butter. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar until fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Pour this caramelized butter and sugar mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. Arrange bread cubes: Spread the cubed French bread evenly over the brown sugar and butter layer in the pan, ensuring a nice even coverage.
4. Prepare and pour custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs, 2 cups milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until thoroughly combined. Pour this egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure every bread piece is soaked well. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon brown sugar evenly over the soaked bread.
5. Bake the casserole: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Remove from oven once baked fully.
6. Finish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar before serving for added sweetness and a pretty presentation. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious French Toast Casserole!

Notes

• Use stale or day-old French bread for better texture and absorption.
• Make sure to fully saturate the bread with the custard mixture for a custardy interior.
• Optional toppings like fresh berries or maple syrup can enhance flavor.
• You can prepare this dish the night before by assembling and refrigerating, then baking it in the morning.
• Adjust baking time slightly if using a different size pan or if bread cubes are larger.

Keywords: French Toast Casserole, breakfast casserole, baked French toast, cinnamon, brown sugar, brunch recipe, easy breakfast