Description
Sweet, comforting French Toast Casserole brings morning magic to breakfast tables with layers of custardy bread and rich maple undertones. Crisp edges and pillowy center promise a delightful start you’ll savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Dairy:
- 1 loaf French bread (12–16 ounces / 340–454 grams)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) half-and-half
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Serving Toppings:
- Additional ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Whisk eggs in a large bowl until smooth, incorporating milk, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a creamy custard base.
- Gently fold cubed French bread into the custard, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and saturated with the mixture.
- Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, then transfer the bread and custard mixture, spreading evenly across the surface.
- Combine melted butter with additional cinnamon and sugar, then drizzle the mixture over the top of the bread casserole for extra flavor.
- Securely cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to allow bread to absorb the custard completely.
- Remove casserole from refrigerator 15 minutes before baking, allowing it to reach near room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place casserole inside, baking for 45-55 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center sets firmly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to slightly cool and stabilize.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, additional cinnamon, and maple syrup, then serve warm for a delectable breakfast experience.
Notes
- Swap bread types for different textures, trying challah, brioche, or gluten-free alternatives to customize the casserole’s richness and dietary needs.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or cutting granulated sugar by half for a lighter, less sweet version that’s diabetes-friendly.
- Prepare individual portions in ramekins for portion control and elegant presentation, making the dish perfect for brunch gatherings or meal prep.
- Add fresh berries, chopped nuts, or sliced almonds on top before baking to introduce extra nutrition, crunch, and vibrant flavor profiles to the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg