Baked French Toast Casserole

Baked French Toast Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that transforms the traditional French toast into an effortless, crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it brings back memories of lazy Sunday mornings and family gatherings. The aroma of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through the house as it bakes is simply irresistible. The ease of preparing it the night before makes it perfect for holidays and special occasions, allowing you to enjoy time with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

INGREDIENTS:

For the French Toast:

1 loaf sourdough bread (or brioche, challah, or French bread)

8 large eggs

2 cups milk

½ cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

¾ cup sugar

For the Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

DIRECTIONS:

Preparing the French Toast

Prepare the Bread:

Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. This can be done with a serrated knife to ensure even pieces without crushing the bread. Sourdough, brioche, challah, or French bread work wonderfully for this recipe, each providing a unique texture and flavor.

Scatter the bread cubes evenly in a greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish. Greasing the dish helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Make the Egg Mixture:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine 8 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and ¾ cup of sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until they are fully combined and the sugar is dissolved. This mixture forms the custard that will soak into the bread cubes, giving the casserole its rich and creamy texture.

Combine Bread and Egg Mixture:

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Ensure that all the bread is soaked in the custard. You can gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid more thoroughly.

Refrigerate:

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful casserole.

Preparing the Topping

Make the Crumb Topping:

In a medium bowl, mix together ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Add ½ cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping adds a sweet, crunchy contrast to the soft, custardy bread.

Store the Topping:

Place the crumb topping in a small resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight. Keeping the topping cold ensures that it remains crumbly and doesn’t melt into the bread when baking.

Baking the Casserole

Preheat the Oven:

When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking.

Assemble the Casserole:

Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the soaked bread cubes. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a consistent crunchy topping.

Bake:

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 45-60 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on your oven and how soft or firm you like your French toast. For a softer texture, aim for the shorter baking time, and for a firmer, more bread pudding-like texture, bake closer to 60 minutes.

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the interior remains soft and custardy.

Serving

Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps set the layers and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.

Serve warm, with optional toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Variations and Substitutions

Bread Options: Try using cinnamon swirl bread or raisin bread for added flavor.

Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Flavor Additions: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the egg mixture for a different flavor. You can also add a handful of fresh or dried fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries, or raisins, between the bread layers.

Nut Topping: For extra crunch, mix chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping.

Conclusion

Baked French Toast Casserole is an appealing dish for numerous reasons. Its preparation is straightforward and can be done in advance, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining guests. The combination of creamy, custardy bread with a sweet, crunchy topping creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that is universally loved.

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and personal preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a comforting weekend treat, Baked French Toast Casserole is sure to impress and satisfy.

The nostalgic flavors and the ease of preparation make this dish a go-to favorite in my household. It brings back fond memories of family breakfasts and cozy mornings, and I hope it becomes a cherished part of your culinary repertoire as well. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious, comforting dish with your loved ones.