French Toast Casserole

ByMia Harper
Delicious French Toast Casserole baked with cinnamon and topped with syrup

France’s beloved breakfast treat gets a delightful twist in the form of a casserole! French Toast Casserole brings all the classic flavors you love while being easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish combines the rich, custardy goodness of French toast with the ability to bake it all in one pan, making it ideal for brunches, holidays, or lazy Sunday mornings. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, enticing everyone to gather around the table for a cozy meal.

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 240
  • Protein: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 250mg

Why Make This French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole not only delivers on flavor, but it also brings convenience to your kitchen. Instead of individual slices of French toast that require flipping and watching closely, this dish allows you to throw everything together and let the oven do the work. It’s perfect for festive occasions where you want to spend more time enjoying the company of your family and friends. And who doesn’t love a warm, syrup-soaked casserole that captures the nostalgic taste of breakfast?

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Creating this delightful casserole is as simple as mixing a few ingredients and letting your oven work its magic.

Ingredients:

  • 6 slices of bread (preferably a day or two old)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Maple syrup (for serving)
  • Powdered sugar (for serving)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cubing the Bread

Cut the bread into cubes and spread them evenly in the greased baking dish. This will form the base for your casserole and soak up all that delicious egg mixture.

Step 3: Mixing the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly combined. This custard mixture is the heart of your casserole, adding creaminess and flavor.

Step 4: Soaking the Bread

Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down slightly to ensure that all the bread soaks up the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you want to prepare it ahead of time. This soaking step is key to achieving that soft, custard-like texture.

Step 5: Baking

Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist.

Step 6: Serving

Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. Each bite will be a soft, sweet explosion of flavor!

How to Serve French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole is versatile. Serve it as a warm breakfast dish for family gatherings or an elegant brunch with friends. Pair it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or yogurt for added flavor and texture. It’s also a hit at holiday feasts; just think of serving it as a comforting addition to your Easter brunch or Christmas morning spread.

How to Store French Toast Casserole

To store any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

Expert Tips for Perfect French Toast Casserole

  • Bread Choice: For the best texture, use slightly stale bread or French bread. Challah or brioche are excellent choices for a richer flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: Make this casserole the night before and refrigerate it. This not only saves time in the morning but enhances the flavor as the bread soaks up the custard overnight.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to stir in extras like fresh fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips for a fun twist.

Delicious Variations

  1. Berry Delight: Add fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries to the bread mixture for a fruity burst.
  2. Nutty Banana: Top the casserole with sliced bananas and chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
  3. Chocolate Chip: Stir in chocolate chips for a dessert-like breakfast treat that’s sure to please the kids!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen bread?
Yes! Just let it thaw and dry out a bit before cubing and using it in the recipe.

2. Can I make this without dairy?
Absolutely! You can substitute dairy milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk, and use dairy-free butter for greasing.

3. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole should be set in the middle and golden brown on top. You can insert a toothpick to check; it should come out clean.

4. Can I freeze French Toast Casserole?
Yes! After baking and cooling, wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

5. What can I serve with it?
This casserole pairs beautifully with crispy bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast experience.

Conclusion

French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to start your day, combining all the comforting flavors of traditional French toast but with an easy, crowd-friendly approach. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or treating yourself on a peaceful morning, every bite is sure to please. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delicious casserole that tastes just like a warm hug on a plate!

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