This baked French toast casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with layers of bread soaked in a rich custard mixture, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and bake in the morning.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite toppings such as fruits, nuts, or syrups to enhance the flavor.
Delightful Breakfast Experience
Imagine starting your day with a warm, golden-brown baked French toast casserole. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings comfort and joy to breakfast tables.
The rich aroma of baked bread mingling with vanilla and cinnamon fills the air, inviting everyone to gather around. It’s a perfect choice for family gatherings or brunch with friends, offering a hearty serving that satisfies multiple appetites.
Simple Preparation
Preparing this casserole is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings. With just a few steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Start by cutting your favorite bread into cubes and soaking them in a creamy custard mixture. This step ensures that each bite is infused with flavor, creating a fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the crispy top layer.
Customizable Toppings
One of the best aspects of this baked French toast casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it with various toppings to suit your taste.
Fresh strawberries and blueberries not only add a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that complements the sweetness of the dish. A light dusting of powdered sugar enhances its visual appeal, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
The Perfect Pairing
No breakfast is complete without a drizzle of maple syrup. Serving a small pitcher alongside the casserole allows everyone to add just the right amount of sweetness to their plate.
The syrup seeps into the warm bread, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This simple addition elevates the dish, making it even more enjoyable.
Cozy Breakfast Setting
Picture this casserole served on a rustic baking dish, surrounded by a cozy breakfast table setting. The inviting atmosphere encourages leisurely mornings filled with laughter and conversation.
With forks and knives ready for serving, guests can dig in and savor each bite. The combination of flavors and the warmth of the dish create a memorable breakfast experience that everyone will cherish.
Nutritional Benefits
This baked French toast casserole not only pleases the palate but also provides a balanced meal. Each serving offers a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, making it a satisfying choice to kickstart your day.
With around 300 calories per serving, it fits well into various dietary plans, allowing for indulgence without guilt. Enjoying this dish can be a delightful way to nourish both body and soul.
Easy Baked French Toast Recipe
This baked French toast casserole features cubes of bread soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla, then baked until golden and fluffy. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6-8 people.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (French or challah), cut into 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 butter, melted
- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Place the bread cubes in the dish evenly.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g