I have to admit, breakfast isn’t usually my thing—I’m more of a coffee-first, questions-later kind of person. But there’s something about an overnight French toast casserole that feels like a hug on a plate, you know? It’s like the Taylor Swift of breakfasts: comforting, crowd-pleasing, and somehow both classic and trendy at the same time.
Steps
- Pour the melted butter into an 11×15-inch baking dish, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter, then arrange the bread slices tightly together on top.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the milk, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until well mixed. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish, ensuring all slices are soaked. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) when ready to bake.
- Place the foil-covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is puffed and lightly golden brown.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of butter, melted
- 2 cups of light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 2-inch slices
- 2 cups of milk
- 8 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Aluminum foil
Nutritional Values
Calories: 5385 | Fat: 235g | Saturated Fat: 135g | Cholesterol: 1835mg | Sodium: 5075mg | Carbohydrates: 720g | Dietary Fiber: 15g | Sugars: 465g | Protein: 115g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 1425mg | Iron: 25mg | Potassium: 2450mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare this French toast casserole using a different type of bread?
- Yes, you can substitute the French bread with other types of bread such as brioche or challah, which can add a different texture and flavor to the casserole.
- What can I use instead of milk in this recipe?
- You can replace the milk with half-and-half for a richer flavor. Alternatively, you could try using a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer.
- How can I prevent the sugar mixture from sticking to the baking dish?
- To minimize sticking, make sure to evenly distribute the melted butter in the baking dish before adding the sugar mixture. You might also consider using a non-stick baking dish or lining it with parchment paper.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the casserole?
- Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar used in the recipe. Taste preferences vary, so feel free to modify the sugar content to suit your liking.
- Is there any way to make this recipe healthier?
- To make the casserole healthier, you can use low-carb or whole-grain bread, reduce the amount of sugar, and opt for a non-dairy milk alternative. Additionally, using egg substitutes can help lower cholesterol levels.
Tips
- Use Half-and-Half for a Richer Flavor: Swap out the milk for half-and-half to create a creamier and richer taste in your French toast casserole.
- Avoid a Sticky Bottom: To prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the dish, consider lining the baking dish with parchment paper before pouring in the butter and sugar mixture.
- Customize Your Bread: Experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, to add unique flavors and textures to your casserole.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Smaller Dishes: If you’re using a smaller or deeper dish, increase the baking time slightly to ensure your casserole is cooked through and achieves the perfect texture.
Equipment
- 11×15-inch Baking Dish – A specific size is required for this recipe, and not everyone may have this size baking dish.
- Mixing Bowl – While many people may already have a basic mixing bowl, if you don’t, you can find a variety on Amazon.
- Aluminum Foil – While commonly found in many kitchens, if you need to purchase it, it can be found on Amazon.
