Easy French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy French Toast Casserole brings the flavors of traditional French toast but with the convenience of a casserole that’s baked in the oven. It’s a perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and creamy. The best part is how easily it comes together with minimal effort, making it great for busy mornings, family gatherings, or holidays. Whether served with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, this casserole is sure to delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread (preferably day-old or slightly stale, such as French bread or brioche)

• 6 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)

• Maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar (for serving)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.

2. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.

4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Gently press the bread down with a spoon to ensure it absorbs the custard.

5. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

6. After the casserole has chilled, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

9. Serve warm with your choice of maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Refrigeration Time: 1 hour (or overnight)

• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (if refrigerated overnight)

Variations

• Fruit Addition: You can add sliced berries, bananas, or diced apples into the casserole before baking to give it a fruity twist.

• Nutty Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the top of the casserole before baking.

• Caramelized French Toast: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the casserole before baking or after it’s been served for a sweet touch.

• Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and cream to make this casserole vegan-friendly.

• Spiced Up: Add a little pumpkin pie spice or ginger to the custard mixture for a fall-inspired flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

2. Can I freeze the casserole for later?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen for an extra 10-15 minutes. If freezing after baking, wrap the casserole in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months, reheating it in the oven.

3. Can I use regular bread instead of day-old bread?

Yes, while day-old bread works best, fresh bread can be used too. If using fresh bread, it might need a bit more time to soak up the custard mixture.

4. What kind of bread should I use for this recipe?

Brioche, French bread, or challah are great options for this casserole because they’re dense and soak up the custard well. You can also use any hearty, thick-sliced bread.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to this casserole?

Absolutely! For a sweeter twist, you can fold chocolate chips into the custard mixture before pouring it over the bread cubes.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more warmth and spice, include a pinch of ground ginger or a bit of pumpkin pie spice in the custard mixture. It’ll add an extra layer of flavor.

8. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole should be golden brown on top and set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean when the casserole is done.

9. Can I serve this with something other than maple syrup?

Yes, this casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, whipped cream, yogurt, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

10. How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Easy French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy morning. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you make it the night before or serve it fresh from the oven, this casserole is sure to be a hit at your next breakfast or brunch.

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