This baked French toast casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines the flavors of traditional 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 to golden perfection.
The recipe is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for brunch or holiday gatherings. You can customize it with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
Overview of Baked French Toast Casserole
This baked French toast casserole is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite.
It combines the comforting flavors of traditional French toast with the ease of a casserole, making it perfect for gatherings or leisurely brunches.
With its golden, fluffy texture and sweet aroma, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients and Preparation
To create this delightful casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients.
Start with a loaf of bread, such as challah or brioche, which adds a rich flavor and soft texture.
The custard mixture consists of eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, all whisked together to create a creamy base that soaks into the bread.
The preparation is straightforward.
Begin by cubing the bread and arranging it in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
Then, pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
For the best results, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors.
Baking to Perfection
Once the casserole has soaked, it’s time to bake.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and drizzle melted butter over the top of the dish before placing it in the oven.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set, creating a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, this casserole shines with a few simple toppings.
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while a drizzle of maple syrup enhances the flavors beautifully.
Fresh berries scattered around the dish not only provide a pop of color but also add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Nutrition and Portions
This baked French toast casserole serves eight, making it an excellent choice for family breakfasts or brunch parties.
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, with 12 grams of fat and 8 grams of protein, providing a satisfying start to your day.
With its combination of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.
Creating a Cozy Breakfast Setting
To enhance the experience, consider setting up a cozy breakfast table.
A steaming cup of coffee alongside the casserole creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Add some fresh flowers or a simple tablecloth to elevate the presentation, making your breakfast not just a meal, but a delightful occasion.
Easy Baked French Toast Casserole
This casserole serves 8 and is made with cubed bread soaked in a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla, then baked until fluffy and slightly crispy on top. It takes about 1 hour from start to finish, including prep time.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (such as challah or brioche), cubed
- 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
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Place the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
- 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. Gently press down the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Bake: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g