French Toast Casserole Recipe

I recently whipped up this French toast casserole and was totally impressed. The buttery French bread soaks up a lux mix of eggs, cream, and cinnamon effortlessly, creating a breakfast that’s rich yet comforting. It’s perfect for lazy mornings when I want something indulgent without all the fuss. Enjoy every bite!

I recently came across this French Toast Casserole recipe that i think is perfect for making ahead of time. I love how it’s eggy with a hint of cinnamon and offers a balanced nutritional profile from high quality protein and healthy fats.

I start with a loaf of French bread cut into cubes and blend it with eight large eggs, two cups whole milk and one cup heavy cream. I mix in a half cup of granulated sugar along with two teaspoons of vanilla extract and one and a half teaspoons of ground cinnamon for that real festive flavor.

A pinch of salt and two tablespoons of melted unsalted butter add a nice finish. I also appreciate its reputation as a great overnight eggnog French Toast Bake and Xmas Morning treat that works as a dessert bar as well as a hearty breakfast.

I think you’ll enjoy making this in your own kitchen.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First off, I like how i can make it ahead of time and then just pop it in the oven when i need it, which makes mornings way less stressful. Second, the mix of eggs, milk, cream and cinnamon gives it this super rich and comforting flavor that feels like a warm hug even on a chill day. Third, I really appreciate how the French bread cubes soak up all the creamy mixture, making every bite satisfyingly soft and crunchy at the same time. Lastly, it’s so simple to customize with different toppings like syrup or powdered sugar so i can mix it up depending on my mood.

Ingredients

• French bread: a carb-rich base that adds crunch and a soft inside texture lighten the dish.
• Eggs: provide protein and fat, giving a rich custardy feel making it satisfyingly filling.
• Whole milk: brings creaminess and essential calcium, boosting nutrients for a balanced flavor.
• Heavy cream: ups the richness and smoothness, imparting a delightful indulgence overall.
• Granulated sugar: delivers a sweet kick that perfectly balances the spices and dairy blends.
• Vanilla extract: enhances aromatic notes, subtly adding natural sweetness its subtle and mellow.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf French bread (about 8 cups of cubes)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Cut the French bread into cubes, making sure you get about 8 cups of cubes ready in a big bowl.

3. In another bowl, beat the 8 eggs well then add the 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix it until it’s smooth.

4. Pour in the 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter into the egg mixture and stir everything together good.

5. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes in the greased dish, making sure all the bread gets soaked.

6. Press the bread lightly so it can absorb as much of the mixture as possible, then let it sit for about 15 minutes.

7. After resting, pop the dish into your preheated oven.

8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is set in the middle.

9. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before you serve it.

10. Enjoy your French Toast Casserole with a drizzle of syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar if you like!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Large bowl for French bread cubes
4. Another bowl for the egg mixture
5. Whisk or fork for beating eggs
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Knife for cutting the French bread
8. A brush or paper towel for greasing the baking dish
9. Oven mitts for safely handling hot dishes

FAQ

• Q: Can I prep the French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
  A: Yup you can mix all the ingredients and leave it in the fridge overnight. Just be sure to cover it so it doesnt dry out.
• Q: What if I dont have French bread?
  A: You can use any sturdy white bread. It works best if the bread holds up well when soaked in the custard.
• Q: Do I need to grease the pan?
  A: Yup you should butter or spray your baking dish so the casserole doesnt stick to the pan while baking.
• Q: How long should I bake it?
  A: Bake it in a preheated 350 F oven for about 40 to 45 minutes until its bubbly and set.
• Q: Can I add extra flavors like berries or nuts?
  A: Sure you can stir in blueberries or walnut pieces into the bread cubes before mixing with the custard for a fun twist.

French Toast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Use challah or brioche instead of French bread for a richer flavor and texture.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, try using half and half for a lighter version.
• You can replace whole milk with 2% milk, though the casserole might be a tad less rich.
• Swap granulated sugar with light brown sugar to add a hint of caramel flavor.
• Use margarine instead of unsalted butter if you’re in a pinch.

Pro Tips

1. Try using day-old or slightly dried out bread cause fresh bread might get too squishy once it soaks up all that egg mixture
2. Make sure you really beat the eggs well before mixing in the milk and spices so you dont get any clumps in your dish
3. Let the bread cubes sit in the egg mixture for at least 15 minutes so that they fully absorb all the flavor
4. When you’re melting your butter, be careful not let it get too hot cause that can kill the smooth texture of your blend and make it taste off