French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast dish that combines the classic flavors of French toast in a comforting, baked form. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this casserole features soft, custardy bread infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness, all baked to golden perfection. You can prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning, making it ideal for holiday breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or lazy weekend mornings. Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a breakfast treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread or brioche, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the cubed bread inside.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until smooth.
- Soak the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is soaked. Gently press down the bread if needed to ensure it’s well coated with the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and dot the top with small pieces of butter. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for an extra indulgent touch.
This French Toast Casserole is an easy, make-ahead dish that delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional French toast in a convenient, crowd-pleasing format!
