Traditional French Toast Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Bread: Spread the cubed brioche evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer to absorb the custard thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top of the custard-soaked bread for added richness and a golden crust.
- Let Soak: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes so the bread fully soaks up the custard mixture before baking.
- 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.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baked casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set further before serving.
- 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
