Description
Weekends call for something special, and this French toast casserole brings pure comfort to the breakfast table. Custardy bread layers blend with cinnamon and vanilla, creating a make-ahead morning treat that feeds a crowd with minimal morning effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (14–16 ounces/397–454 grams)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk (590 milliliters)
- ½ cup heavy cream (118 milliliters)
Supporting Ingredients:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
- ½ cup brown sugar (100 grams)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 1 stick cold butter, cubed (113 grams)
Instructions
- Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Slice the entire 14-16 oz brioche or challah loaf into 1-inch uniform cubes, then distribute them evenly across the dish.
- Create the custard mixture by whisking 8 large eggs with 2 ½ cups whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream. Incorporate ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt until the blend becomes silky and consistent.
- Gently cascade the custard over bread cubes, carefully pressing down so each piece absorbs the liquid. Ensure complete coverage without disturbing the arrangement.
- Refrigerate the casserole for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing bread to thoroughly soak. For deeper flavor, prepare the night before and let sit overnight.
- Prepare the optional crumb topping by combining ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Incorporate ½ cup cold butter (1 stick) by cutting it into the dry ingredients until a crumbly texture forms.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly across the soaked bread mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. The casserole should transform into a golden-brown delight with a set, slightly firm center. Remove from oven and allow brief cooling.
- Finish by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling pure maple syrup. Serve warm for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Stale bread works best for absorbing the custard and creating a rich, creamy texture without getting soggy.
- Overnight chilling allows bread to fully soak up the delicious egg mixture, intensifying flavor and ensuring a perfect consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread and replace wheat flour in the topping with almond or coconut flour.
- Make this casserole extra special by adding chopped nuts, fresh berries, or a splash of bourbon to the custard for depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 413 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 218 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 167 mg