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French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast dish featuring cubes of French bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, baked to golden perfection over a buttery, brown sugar base. Ideal for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warm spices, topped with optional powdered sugar for an extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

Base Layer

  • ½ loaf French bread (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

Custard Mixture

  • 6 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided

Topping

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Powdered sugar for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 13x9 inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside.
  2. Make Brown Sugar Butter Base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth and homogenous. Pour this warm mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly across the bottom.
  3. Add Bread Cubes: Scatter the cubed French bread evenly over the brown sugar and butter layer, ensuring good coverage.
  4. Whisk Custard and Pour: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is soaked.
  5. Sprinkle Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar evenly on top of the soaked bread cubes for extra flavor and a touch of caramelization.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the custard is set.
  7. Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven, and if desired, dust the casserole with powdered sugar before serving to add a sweet finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use day-old French bread for best texture—it soaks up the custard without becoming too mushy.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or add a splash of heavy cream.
  • This casserole can be prepared the night before; assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning (add 5 minutes to baking time).
  • Feel free to add fresh berries or chopped nuts on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/french-toast-casserole-recipe/