Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Easy Baked French Toast Casserole offers a delightful twist on classic French toast. Made with brioche or French bread, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and topped with a brown sugar glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. This make-ahead recipe allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors of French toast without the hassle. Add optional blueberries or cream cheese for a richer taste, and serve with maple syrup for an extra treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Refrigeration Time:
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including refrigeration)
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 loaf of brioche or French bread
8 large eggs
1½ cups milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (optional)
12 oz (1½ blocks) cream cheese, softened and cubed (optional)
¼ cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese filling, optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for cream cheese filling, optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
Maple syrup, for serving
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bread:
Cut the brioche or French bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread them out on a baking sheet and let them dry out overnight or for several hours. -
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until well combined. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Place the dried bread cubes into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. If adding blueberries, gently fold them into the mixture. -
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling (Optional):
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Use an electric hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the bread and egg mixture, spreading it out gently. -
Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the casserole. -
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the foil and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. -
Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve with maple syrup
Notes
-
For a sweeter twist, add more maple syrup when serving.
-
You can omit or replace cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter version.
-
Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a spiced flavor.
