why make this recipe

French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast or brunch dish that combines the classic flavors of French toast into a hearty and comforting casserole. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday brunches. This recipe is also incredibly simple to prepare, letting you enjoy more time with your loved ones while the dish bakes in the oven.

how to make French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

½ a loaf of French bread (about 8 oz) cut into cubes
½ cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
6 eggs
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
1 Tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
Powdered sugar for topping (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 13×9 inch baking pan and set it aside.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Add the bread cubes to the pan, spreading them over the top of the brown sugar and butter mixture.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour this egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring that all pieces of bread get saturated.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and the 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven, and if desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Enjoy your French Toast Casserole!

how to serve French Toast Casserole

Serve French Toast Casserole warm, straight from the oven. It can be cut into squares for easy serving. Pair it with fresh fruits, such as berries or sliced bananas, and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra flavor boost.

how to store French Toast Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

tips to make French Toast Casserole

For a creamier texture, use more milk in the egg mixture.
Try adding nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the casserole for added crunch.
You can prepare this dish the night before! Assemble it, cover it, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Bake it the next morning as directed.

variation

Consider making a berry French Toast Casserole by adding fresh or frozen berries between the layers of bread cubes. You could also try using different types of bread, like challah or brioche, for added flavor and texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I make French Toast Casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use gluten-free bread in the recipe, and the rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze French Toast Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap the assembled casserole tightly before baking, and it will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q: How can I add more flavor to the casserole?
A: You can experiment with spices like nutmeg, or even add a splash of orange or almond extract for a unique taste.