French toast casserole is the perfect dish for a crowd, whether it’s for a festive brunch or a lazy Sunday morning. This comforting blend of soft bread, creamy custard, and delightful spices makes it a favorite among breakfast lovers. Did you know that French toast was originally called “eggy bread”? Its accessibility and adaptability have made it a worldwide sensation, evolving into various forms over centuries.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create a decadent and easy French toast casserole that will be the star of your breakfast table.
What Is French Toast Casserole?
French toast casserole is essentially a baked version of the traditional French toast, merging flavors and textures into a simple yet satisfying dish. It typically consists of cubed bread soaked in a rich egg and milk mixture, then baked until golden.
This dish is not only a delightful breakfast treat but also a great way to use up stale bread. By letting the bread soak overnight, the flavors infuse beautifully, creating a custardy interior with a crispy top.
Quick Facts about French Toast Casserole:
- Total Time: 1 hour (including prep and baking)
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 320 kcal
- Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 10 cups cubed bread (preferably brioche or challah) Slightly stale bread works best.
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk Can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans Can substitute with walnuts or omit for nut-free.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place the cubed bread into the greased dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes and let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
- Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and chopped pecans.
Baking
- Bake covered for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes until the top is golden and the custard has mostly set.
Serving
- Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with maple syrup for drizzling.
Notes
Nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making French toast casserole is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.
- Place 10 cups of cubed bread (preferably brioche or challah) into the greased dish. This bread will absorb the custard nicely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 8 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons each of cinnamon and nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture creates a rich custard.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. If you want to prepare it ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight. Otherwise, let it stand for 30 minutes at room temperature to soak.
- Add the topping: Drizzle the casserole with 1/2 cup of melted butter and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of chopped pecans.
- Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes until the top is golden and the custard has mostly set.
- Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve warm with maple syrup for drizzling.
Variations & Substitutes
French toast casserole can easily be customized. Here are some popular variations and substitutions:
- For a healthier version, use whole grain bread instead of white or enriched bread.
- Substitute almond milk or a milk alternative for a dairy-free option.
- Add fruits like blueberries or sliced strawberries for a fresh twist.
- Replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free dish.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using stale bread: Fresh bread can become mushy. Use slightly stale bread for the best texture.
- Skipping the soaking time: Allowing the bread to soak is crucial for flavor and texture.
- Overmixing the custard: Whisk until just combined to avoid tough texture.
- Not letting it rest before serving: This resting time allows flavors to settle and improves serving quality.
- Neglecting to grease the dish properly: This can lead to sticking and difficulty in serving.
Storage & Reuse
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to a month, allowing for quick and easy breakfasts.
Conclusion
French toast casserole not only offers an easy, tasty solution for breakfast but also allows for plenty of creativity with flavors and ingredients. The best part? It can be prepared in advance and serves many, making it perfect for gatherings. So, grab your ingredients and delight your loved ones with this comforting dish!
