Name: French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf challah bread; 6 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 0.25 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon

What is sunshine in a pan?French Toast Casserole.Think of it as the lazy-weekend cousin of regular French toast – all the delicious, custardy flavor. How do I stop myself from standing over a hot stove flipping slices? I swear, this is a lifesaver on busy mornings, especially when you’re feeding the crowd (or just plain enjoying yourself). Really, really hungry! Is it easier to make pancakes from scratch?

What is a French Toast casserole?

What exactly is a “What is”?French Toast Casserole. HowWhat is French toast? Think of it as bread pudding’s more refined cousin. You take slices of bread (I usually use challah or brioche because they’re extra rich and crunchy) and put them on a plate. How do you make custard? What are some of the best make-ahead breakfast dishes? I’m a winner in my book. What’s the best part about being a big hug in baking dish? Can I prep it the night before?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What are some of the reasons why I love this recipe? First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The custard is rich and vanilla-y, and the bread soaks up all that deliciousness, creating a soft, smooth, creamy texture. What is melt-in What I love about this is how easy it is to make. You literally just whisk everything together, pour it over the bread, and bake. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required! It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Bread, eggs, milk – these are pantry staples that most of us already have on hand. Compared to going out for brunch, this is a good alternative.French Toast Casserole.Is it a steal? Can you add berries, chocolate chips, nuts… the possibilities are endless? Think of it like a blank canvas for your breakfast dreams. If you love bread pudding, I guarantee this will be a good, old-fashioned slice of toast. What is your new favorite song? Isn’t it comforting?

How do you make a French Toast casserole?

Quick Overview

Making this French Toast Casserole: WhatIs it surprisingly simple? How do you make a creamy custard? Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and puffy. What is the best part? You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven the morning. What’s a perfect breakfast or brunch recipe? Is it easier to make a casserole?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old works best!)
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it was fantastic!
* 1 cup heavy cream (for extra richness, but you can substitute more milk) * 2 cups milk (if you want more flavor)
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract (don’t skimp on the good stuff)
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt

For the Filling:
* 1 cup fresh berries (blueberry, raspberries, strawberries – or a mix!)
* 12 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but adds a lovely crunch) * 2 cups chopped almonds.

For the Glaze:
* ½ cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons of milk (enough to make a smooth glaze) * 2 teaspoons salt (for flavor)
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

What is the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I always use butter in my bread. It adds a little flavor to the crust. Make sure you get the corners and edges, so the edges are smooth.French Toast Casserole. doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Set aside. How do you mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved – no one wants grainy taste.French Toast Casserole.!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

What are the best dry and wet ingredients in one bowl?

Step 4: Combine

Add the cubed bread to the egg mixture and toss to coat. Make sure all bread is submerged in custard. Let it soak for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer if you have time. The longer the custard soaks, the more sour it will be.French Toast Casserole.I usually let it sit for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats and I prep the berries.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

If using fresh berries, give them a quick rinse and pat them dry. If you use frozen berries, you don’t even need to thaw them. Just toss them in. If you’re using nuts, chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Half of the soaked bread mixture is poured into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the berries and nuts (if using). Top with remaining bread mixture and remaining nuts. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s all submerged in the custard. What are some good ways to add cream cheese to a dish?

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown on top.French Toast Casserole.Is golden brown and puffy, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil. My oven runs a little hot, so I usually tent it after about 30 minutes. Just keep an eye on it!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the French Toast Casserole cool slightly before glazing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm casserole. You can also dust it with a little extra powdered sugar or cinnamon for a pretty presentation.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Slice the French Toast Casserole into squares and serve warm. It’s delicious on its own, but it’s also amazing with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of fresh berries. I like to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if I’m serving it for dessert! Pure heaven.

What to Serve It With

This French Toast Casserole is a star all on its own, but it also plays well with others! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

For Breakfast: Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete and satisfying breakfast. And don’t forget the coffee! A strong cup of coffee or a latte is the perfect complement to the sweetness of the casserole.

For Brunch: Elevate your brunch spread with a platter of fresh fruit, a pitcher of mimosas, and maybe even a quiche or frittata. The French Toast Casserole will be the star of the show!

As Dessert: This casserole makes a surprisingly delicious dessert! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Talk about decadent!

For Cozy Snacks: Sometimes, you just need a little something sweet to get you through the afternoon. A slice of this French Toast Casserole, warmed up and served with a cup of tea, is the perfect comfort food.

My family always has this with a side of orange juice. It’s a tradition passed down from my grandmother, and it just feels right. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these combinations. Just experiment and find what you love!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your French Toast Casserole

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this French Toast Casserole even more amazing. Here are my top tips:

Bread Prep: Using day-old bread is key! It’s drier and will absorb the custard better without becoming soggy. I sometimes even leave the bread cubes out overnight to dry out even more. You can use almost any type of bread – French bread, sourdough, even cinnamon swirl bread! Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold its shape.

Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the custard! You want it to be smooth and creamy, but overmixing can result in a tough French Toast Casserole. Just whisk until everything is combined and the sugar is dissolved.

Swirl Customization: Get creative with your fillings! Add chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, caramel sauce, or even a layer of cream cheese for a truly decadent treat. I sometimes add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist!

Ingredient Swaps: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Use almond milk or soy milk instead of dairy milk, or use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. You can also substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the French Toast Casserole while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent it from burning. The casserole is done when it’s golden brown and puffy, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Glaze Variations: Get creative with your glaze! Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy twist, or a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze. You can also use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar for a maple glaze.

I once accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the glaze. While it wasn’t exactly what I was going for, it actually added a really interesting salty-sweet flavor that everyone loved! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This French Toast Casserole is great for making ahead of time, and it also stores well. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: You can leave the baked French Toast Casserole at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the baked French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating it.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked French Toast Casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re making the casserole ahead of time, it’s best to wait to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy.

To reheat the French Toast Casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. I recommend using a gluten-free challah or brioche-style bread for the best texture. You might need to adjust the amount of custard slightly, as gluten-free bread can sometimes be a bit drier.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Whoops! Seems like this question belongs to another recipe. There’s no zucchini in this French Toast Casserole. But if you *were* making something with zucchini, I usually don’t peel it, unless the skin is particularly tough. It adds a nice bit of color and nutrients!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

That’s a great idea! To make this as muffins, simply cut the bread into smaller cubes and divide the mixture among muffin cups. You’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly – start checking them after about 20 minutes.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the custard. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. If you want it sweeter, feel free to add more sugar or drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving!

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you don’t want to make the glaze, you can simply dust the French Toast Casserole with powdered sugar or drizzle it with maple syrup. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite French Toast Casserole recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or just a cozy weeknight dessert, I guarantee it will be a hit. It’s just so comforting and satisfying. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other breakfast and brunch recipes, like my famous blueberry muffins or my easy breakfast burritos. They’re all just as simple and delicious! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know what variations you tried! And don’t forget to rate this recipe – it helps others find it!