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French Toast Casserole Recipe

French Toast Casserole Recipe

John
Do you love breakfast but hate standing over a hot stove? This French Toast Casserole Recipe is the perfect solution for you. It is sweet, warm, and very easy to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 318 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf of French bread or Challah about 1 pound
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar for the topping
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cold butter cubed

Instructions
 

Prep the Bread

  • Cut your bread into one-inch cubes. Use a serrated knife for the best results. Dry bread works best for this recipe. If it is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours.

Grease the Baking Dish

  • Take your 9x13 inch baking dish. Coat it well with butter or non-stick spray. This prevents the bread from sticking to the bottom. Place all the bread cubes into the dish.

Mix the Liquid Base

  • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together. Add the milk, heavy cream, and white sugar. Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth.

Soak the Bread

  • Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Press down on the bread with a spoon. This helps every piece soak up the liquid. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate.

Make the Crumble Topping

  • Mix the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter in a small bowl. Use a fork or your fingers. Work it until you see small crumbs. This adds a delicious crunch.
  • Preheat and Bake
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the soaked bread. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the center firm.

Let it Rest

  • Take the casserole out of the oven. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the custard to set properly. It makes the casserole much easier to slice and serve.

Notes

  • Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without getting mushy.
  • Add Fruit: Toss in a cup of fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries before baking.
  • Go Nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture.
  • Overnight Option: Let the bread soak for 8 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.
  • Cream Cheese Surprise: Add small dollops of cream cheese between the bread layers.
  • Syrup Choice: Serve with warm maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Keyword Paula Deen French Toast Casserole Recipe