Description
French Toast Casserole with cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup. Easy, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (16 oz/450g) day-old bread (French bread, brioche, or challah work best)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons (5g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
- 1 loaf (16 oz/450g) day-old bread (French bread, brioche, or challah work best)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons (5g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon (1.25g) ground cinnamon
- Optional: ½ cup (50g) chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Bread Begin by cutting your loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry for 1-2 hours. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and arrange the bread cubes evenly inside.
- Step 2: Create the Custard Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until lightly beaten. Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and consistent. The custard should have a rich, golden color with visible specks of cinnamon.
- Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, making sure to moisten all pieces. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor development and texture.
- Step 4: Prepare the Topping About 30 minutes before baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator to come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cold cubed butter, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the sugar mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts if using.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread mixture. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for the final 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Remove your French Toast Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the custard to set properly. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 calories per serving
- Sugar: 22 grams
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 200 mg