French Toast Casserole Recipe
Elevate your breakfast game with our delectable French Toast Casserole recipe. It's a cozy morning delight!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed (about 12-14 cups)
- 8 lg eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cubed French bread to the mixture, ensuring all bread pieces are well-coated. Let it soak for about 20-30 minutes, occasionally pressing down the bread with a spatula to ensure absorption.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar.
- Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Drizzle the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
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Bread Choice:
- Use a good-quality bread like French bread, brioche, challah, or a similar sturdy, slightly stale bread. The firmer texture will hold up better to the custard without becoming too soggy.
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Slicing the Bread:
- Slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices for a hearty casserole. You can also cube the bread if you prefer a more bread pudding-like texture.
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Overnight Soaking:
- For the best results, assemble the casserole the night before and let it soak in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a creamy interior and crispy top.
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Custard Mixture:
- Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and spices together thoroughly. Ensure all the sugar is dissolved and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Spice Variations:
- Feel free to customize the spices to your liking. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt are classic choices, but you can also experiment with cardamom, ginger, or a dash of bourbon for a unique flavor.
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Layering:
- Grease the baking dish well, and arrange a single layer of bread slices or cubes at the bottom. Pour half of the custard mixture evenly over the bread, allowing it to soak in. Add another layer of bread and pour the remaining custard over the top.
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Fruit or Add-Ins:
- Add fruits like sliced bananas, berries, or raisins between the layers for extra flavor and texture. You can also include chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a delightful twist.
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Topping:
- A streusel topping made from a mixture of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon adds a delightful crunch. Sprinkle it over the casserole just before baking.
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Baking Time and Temperature:
- Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-55 minutes or until it's golden brown and set in the center. You can insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is done.
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Resting Time:
- Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
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Serving:
- Serve your French Toast Casserole warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or yogurt can also be delightful toppings.
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Leftovers:
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or oven. They're often just as delicious the next day.
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Variations:
- Get creative with your French Toast Casserole by experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Consider using flavored creamers, adding extracts like almond or orange, or incorporating unique ingredients like caramelized apples or coconut flakes.
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Make-Ahead Option:
- If you don't want to make this casserole the night before, you can let it sit for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the custard to soak into the bread.