French Toast Casserole Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrange bread cubes: Spread the cubed French bread evenly over the brown sugar and butter layer in the pan, ensuring a nice even coverage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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