French Toast Casserole: A Make-Ahead Breakfast Delight
French toast casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast for holidays, brunches, or even a cozy weekend morning. This recipe delivers a deliciously custardy bread pudding with a delightful cinnamon-sugar topping. It's easy to customize, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better the next day! Let's dive into the recipe and some helpful tips to make this breakfast masterpiece.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe easily serves 6-8 people, but can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of challah, brioche, or Texas toast, cubed. Stale bread works best!
- Eggs: 6 large eggs
- Milk: 2 cups whole milk (for richness) or a combination of milk and cream
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for that extra warmth
- Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, for classic French toast flavor
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon, a touch of warmth
- Sugar: 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick), melted, for greasing the dish
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with melted butter. This prevents sticking and adds a lovely richness.
Prepare the bread: Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, you can let it sit out uncovered overnight to dry slightly – this prevents a soggy casserole.
Whisk the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/2 cup of sugar until well combined. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved.
Combine and bake: Gently add the cubed bread to the custard mixture and stir to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil.
Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and sprinkle with extra sugar. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and set. The center should be cooked through and no longer jiggly.
Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows it to set up properly and prevents a messy serving experience. Serve warm, perhaps with some fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Tips for the Perfect French Toast Casserole
- Overnight magic: For the best results, assemble the casserole the night before. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a richer, more flavorful final product. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Bread choices: Challah, brioche, and Texas toast are all excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with other types of bread. Even day-old bread works wonders!
- Sweeten it up: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter casserole, feel free to add more sugar.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Consider adding dried fruits (cranberries, raisins), chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of spices like cardamom or allspice.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze French toast casserole?
A: Yes! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding extra time to the baking instructions. You can also freeze leftover casserole for a quick and easy breakfast later.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
With its ease of preparation and delightful taste, this French toast casserole recipe is sure to become a breakfast staple in your home. Enjoy!
