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French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus 4 hours to overnight soaking
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This French Toast Casserole is a comforting breakfast dish perfect for a crowd. Cubes of day-old French bread are soaked in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, cream, sugars, and warm spices. After an overnight soak, it’s baked until golden brown and topped with buttery pecans, then served warm with maple syrup. This make-ahead casserole delivers classic French toast flavors with the convenience of a baked dish.

Ingredients

Bread

  • 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Custard Mixture

  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Topping

  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Spread the 1-inch cubes of day-old French bread evenly across the dish to form the base of the casserole.
  2. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the liquid thoroughly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soften.
  4. Preheat & Assemble: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the soaked bread and drizzle the melted butter across the top for a rich, crunchy finish.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set in the center to a custardy consistency without being runny.
  6. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup for a deliciously sweet and comforting breakfast or brunch treat.

Notes

  • Using day-old or slightly stale bread helps the bread soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
  • Cover the casserole tightly when refrigerating overnight to avoid drying out.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with another topping such as fresh berries.
  • If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/french-toast-casserole-recipe-2/