Traditional French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Traditional French Toast Casserole is a delightful, comforting breakfast perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead. This rich, custardy dish features tender bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and baked until golden and fluffy.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf brioche (or challah, or French bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
3. Step 3: Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing the bread down lightly so it absorbs the liquid.
6. Step 6: Drizzle melted butter over the top.
7. Step 7: Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
10. Step 10: Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bread to help it soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
• For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips over the top before baking.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for deeper spice flavor.
• This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, then baked in the morning—just add a few extra minutes to baking time.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, brioche, challah, or French bread work best for their rich texture, but you can substitute with other sturdy breads like sourdough or Italian bread. Avoid very soft or pre-sliced sandwich bread as it might become too soggy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter or oil for greasing and drizzling. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Traditional French Toast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 89 reviews

This Traditional French Toast Casserole offers a deliciously rich and custardy breakfast treat made with brioche bread soaked in a sweet and cinnamon-spiced egg mixture, baked to perfection with a golden-brown crust. It’s an easy make-ahead dish ideal for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread

• 1 loaf brioche (or challah, or French bread), cut into 1-inch cubes

Custard Mixture

• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Arrange Bread: Spread the cubed brioche evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer to absorb the custard thoroughly.
4. Mix Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly to help the bread absorb the liquid for a rich flavor and custardy texture.
6. Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top of the custard-soaked bread for added richness and a golden crust.
7. Let Soak: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes so the bread fully soaks up the custard mixture before baking.
8. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove the baked casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set further before serving.
10. Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Use stale or day-old bread if possible; it soaks up the custard better and prevents a soggy casserole.
• Feel free to substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for whole milk for a richer custard.
• Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a delightful crunch.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight after assembling for a make-ahead option; add extra baking time if baking cold.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast.

Keywords: French toast casserole, baked French toast, breakfast casserole, brunch, brioche French toast, cinnamon custard, easy breakfast bake