Are you looking for a tasty and easy-to-make breakfast recipe that will wow your family and friends? Look no further than this amazing French toast casserole recipe! This recipe combines all the flavors of classic French toast with the convenience of a casserole, making it the perfect choice for a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast.
What is French Toast Casserole?
French toast casserole is a breakfast dish that takes classic French toast and transforms it into a casserole. The dish is made by soaking slices of bread in an egg and milk mixture, then layering them in a baking dish with toppings like cinnamon, sugar, and fruit. The casserole is then baked until golden brown and puffy, creating a delicious and satisfying breakfast treat.
Ingredients For Making French toast casserole
To make this amazing French toast casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces (use a sturdy bread like brioche or challah)
- 6 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make this amazing French toast casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices, making sure they are all coated.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar (if desired) and serve with your favorite breakfast sides like bacon, sausage, or fresh fruit.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to make sure your French toast casserole turns out perfectly:
- Use a sturdy bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and flavor.
- Be sure to whisk the egg mixture well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Let the casserole soak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture.
- Don’t skip the melted butter on top of the casserole – it adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the top get crispy and golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite breakfast sides to make a complete meal.
French toast casserole Recipe Variations
French toast casserole is a classic breakfast dish that can be customized in many ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
- Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the casserole dish before baking.
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the bread mixture before baking. - Pumpkin French Toast Casserole: Mix canned pumpkin puree with the milk and egg mixture, and add pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired dish.
- Banana Nut French Toast Casserole: Add sliced bananas and chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the bread mixture before baking.
- Lemon Raspberry French Toast Casserole: Add fresh raspberries and lemon zest to the bread mixture before baking.
- Chocolate French Toast Casserole: Add chocolate chips to the bread mixture before baking, and serve with whipped cream and berries.
- Savory French Toast Casserole: Omit the sugar and vanilla, and instead add shredded cheese, cooked bacon or sausage, and diced vegetables, such as peppers and onions.
- Overnight French Toast Casserole: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover and refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
French Toast Casserole Nutrition’s Facts
Here is a general idea of the nutrition information for a basic French Toast Casserole made with whole milk and white bread, assuming 8 servings:
- Calories: 352
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 209mg
- Sodium: 411mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 17g
- Protein: 14g
FAQ
What kind of bread should I use for French Toast Casserole?
Any type of bread can be used for French Toast Casserole, but some popular choices include brioche, challah, or sourdough.
Can French Toast Casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, French Toast Casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight.
Can French Toast Casserole be frozen?
Yes, French Toast Casserole can be frozen either before or after baking.
Can I customize the flavors of French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can customize the flavors of French Toast Casserole by adding different spices, extracts, or mix-ins to the egg mixture.
Can I make French Toast Casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make French Toast Casserole in a slow cooker by assembling the casserole as usual and then cooking it on low for 4-6 hours, or until set.
Read Also: Blueberry Stuffed French Toast