This baked French toast casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines the classic flavors of French toast into an easy-to-make oven-baked version. Perfect for serving a crowd, this recipe is ideal for brunch or special occasions.
With layers of bread soaked in a rich custard mixture and baked until golden, this dish can be prepared the night before for a hassle-free morning.
Overview of Baked French Toast Casserole
This baked French toast casserole brings a comforting twist to a classic breakfast favorite.
With its golden brown top and a light dusting of powdered sugar, it is visually appealing and delicious.
The dish is perfect for gatherings, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere at any breakfast table.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The foundation of this casserole is a loaf of bread, preferably challah or brioche, cut into fluffy cubes.
These bread pieces soak in a rich custard made from eggs, milk, sugar, and a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, creating a delightful flavor profile.
This combination ensures that each bite is both satisfying and indulgent.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this casserole is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps.
Start by mixing the custard ingredients in a bowl, ensuring they are well combined.
Then, gently fold in the bread cubes, allowing them to absorb the custard mixture for a short period before transferring everything to a baking dish.
Baking to Perfection
Once the mixture is in the baking dish, a drizzle of melted butter on top adds richness and helps achieve that golden crust.
Baking at 350°F for about 30 to 35 minutes allows the casserole to rise and set, resulting in a fluffy interior and a slightly crispy exterior.
The aroma that fills the kitchen during baking is simply irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while a drizzle of maple syrup enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh berries scattered around not only add color but also a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This baked French toast casserole is versatile enough for any occasion, from casual family breakfasts to festive brunches.
Preparing it the night before allows for an effortless morning, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
With its delightful taste and inviting presentation, it is sure to become a favorite in any household.
Easy Baked French Toast Recipe
This French toast casserole features cubes of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, then baked until fluffy and slightly crispy on top. The recipe takes about 50 minutes from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (such as challah or brioche), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently fold until all the bread is coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and drizzle the melted butter on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with maple syrup.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g