There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the house, isn’t there? This Easy French Toast Casserole is like a cozy hug in the morning, transforming stale bread into a dreamy, custard-like breakfast delight. Plus, it makes me think of that one time I tried to flip a pancake and ended up with an abstract art piece—this recipe is thankfully foolproof!
Steps
- Gather all necessary ingredients and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole.
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter with brown sugar until the sugar dissolves, taking about 2 to 4 minutes. Pour this mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Arrange the bread pieces in the dish in a layer that’s about 1 ½ to 2 inches thick.
- Whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a bowl until thoroughly mixed. Pour this over the bread, pressing down with a spatula to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) and remove the dish from the refrigerator, discarding the plastic wrap.
- For the topping, combine brown sugar with cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until browned and bubbling. If necessary, cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Cut the casserole into squares and serve with the caramel sauce from the bottom of the pan drizzled over the top.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 (8-ounce) loaf of crusty French bread, cut into bite-sized pieces (or more as needed)
- 2 cups milk
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste
Nutritional Values
Total Nutrition Values for the Entire Recipe (8 Servings) | Calories: 2,864 | Total Fat: 136g | Saturated Fat: 72g | Cholesterol: 1,400mg | Sodium: 2,088mg | Total Carbohydrate: 336g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Total Sugars: 224g | Protein: 80g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 1,064mg | Iron: 16mg | Potassium: 1,664mg |
FAQ
- Can I prepare the French toast casserole in advance?
- Yes, this casserole is designed to be prepared the night before. Assemble it, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just bake it for a convenient breakfast option.
- What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
- Crusty French bread is recommended for this casserole. However, variations like sourdough or brioche can also be used to add different flavors and textures.
- How can I customize the French toast casserole?
- You can personalize this dish by adding ingredients like blueberries, cream cheese, cinnamon apples, nuts, or dried fruit. Some people enjoy incorporating apple pie filling or substituting eggnog for milk during the holiday season.
- What temperature should I bake the casserole at?
- The original recipe suggests baking at 450°F (230°C) for about 30 minutes. However, some reviewers recommend baking at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes for a more even texture.
- Can I make this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
- Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a keto diet by using low-carb bread and adjusting the sugar content. Keep in mind that baking at a lower temperature for longer can help improve the texture.
Tips
- Try a Lower Baking Temperature: Many reviewers suggest baking the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes instead of the original temperature. This longer bake at a lower temperature can help achieve a better balance between a crispy top and a custard-like interior.
- Customize with Add-ins: Enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like blueberries, cream cheese, cinnamon apples, or nuts. These additions can make the casserole even more delicious and cater to different taste preferences.
- Toast the Bread First: Consider toasting the bread before assembling the casserole. This step can help prevent the dish from becoming too soggy and ensure a better texture once baked.
- Prepare in Advance: Make the casserole one or two days ahead of serving. Not only does this save time on the day of serving, but it also allows the flavors to meld together, potentially improving the overall taste when reheated.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil
