Description
This Traditional French Toast Casserole is a comforting and indulgent breakfast bake featuring custard-soaked brioche bread baked to golden perfection. Infused with cinnamon and vanilla, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, ideal for family gatherings or weekend brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help with easy serving.
- Arrange Bread: Spread the 1-inch bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully blended and smooth.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly so the bread absorbs the liquid thoroughly.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top of the soaked bread for richness and a golden crust.
- Soak: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture fully.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to make it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve: Serve warm topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as desired for a delicious breakfast treat.
Notes
- Use day-old brioche or challah for better texture as fresh bread can become too soggy.
- Allow the casserole to soak longer if possible for a custardier interior.
- Substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream for an even richer dish.
- Add nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Casserole, Brioche French Toast, Cinnamon French Toast Bake, Brunch Recipes
