This baked French toast casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines the flavors of classic French toast with the convenience of a casserole. Perfect for serving a crowd, it features layers of bread soaked in a rich custard mixture, baked until golden and fluffy.
The recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for special occasions or weekend brunches.
Creating the Perfect Baked French Toast Casserole
This baked French toast casserole combines the comforting flavors of traditional French toast with the ease of a casserole dish.
It’s an ideal choice for gatherings, offering a warm and inviting breakfast option that can be prepared in advance.
Imagine serving a dish that is golden brown on top, with a light dusting of powdered sugar, surrounded by vibrant fresh berries.
Ingredients for a Cozy Breakfast
To create this delightful casserole, you’ll need a few simple ingredients.
Start with cubed bread, preferably a bit stale, which will soak up the custard mixture beautifully.
The custard itself consists of eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, all whisked together to create a rich base.
Don’t forget the melted butter that adds a layer of richness, and consider serving it with maple syrup and fresh fruit for an extra touch of sweetness.
Preparation Steps to Follow
Begin by preheating your oven and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of the casserole once baked.
Mix together the custard ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Next, place the cubed bread in the prepared dish, pouring the custard mixture over it and gently pressing down to ensure every piece is soaked.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for the first half of the cooking time.
This helps the casserole cook evenly without browning too quickly.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden brown and the custard is set, which usually takes an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for a Delightful Experience
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing into squares.
Serve warm, accompanied by a small pitcher of maple syrup for drizzling and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Fresh berries not only add a pop of color but also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.
Enjoying the Baked French Toast Casserole
This dish is perfect for special occasions or a leisurely weekend brunch.
Its ease of preparation allows you to enjoy time with family and friends while still serving a delicious meal.
With each bite, you’ll experience the comforting blend of flavors that make this baked French toast casserole a cherished breakfast choice.
Easy Baked French Toast Casserole
This French toast casserole is made with cubed bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. It bakes in a 9×9 dish, yielding about 6 servings, and can be topped with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread, cubed (preferably stale or day-old)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for serving (optional)
- Fresh fruit, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are soaked. Drizzle the melted butter on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g