Nothing says “good morning” like the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. This Easy French Toast Casserole is the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch dish, perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or when you’re hosting family and friends. It’s a recipe steeped in warmth and tradition—reminiscent of childhood mornings spent around the breakfast table, eagerly awaiting the first bite of syrup-soaked perfection.
Unlike traditional French toast, which requires flipping slices of bread individually on the stovetop, this casserole makes things delightfully simple. It’s assembled in one dish and baked in the oven, leaving you more time to savor your coffee and enjoy the company of loved ones. Whether you’re planning ahead or want a quick breakfast solution, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Minimal Effort: Skip the skillet and let your oven do the work.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A single dish that serves a crowd with ease.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like fresh berries, nuts, or whipped cream to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 16 slices) of day-old French bread, cubed
- Eggs: 6 large
- Milk: 2 cups
- Heavy cream: ½ cup
- Sugar: ½ cup
- Brown sugar: ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Butter: ½ cup, melted
- Topping Ingredients:
- Brown sugar: ½ cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Flour: ½ cup
- Butter: ¼ cup, cold and cubed
How to Make Easy French Toast Casserole:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread: Begin by cubing your bread into bite-sized pieces. Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Spread the bread cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. The result should be a creamy, fragrant custard that’s ready to infuse the bread with flavor.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Use the back of a spoon to press the bread down slightly, helping it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store this in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve Warm: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, add a dollop of whipped cream, or garnish with fresh fruit for a picture-perfect finish.
Helpful Tips:
- Use Stale Bread: If your bread is fresh, leave it out overnight to dry, or lightly toast it in the oven before using.
- Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Customize the Toppings: Crushed pecans, powdered sugar, or even chocolate chips can elevate this dish to new heights.
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rest Time: 4 hours or overnight
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 5 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes:
- To make the casserole dairy-free, substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk.
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, reduce the sugar slightly, and serve with fresh fruit instead of syrup.
Nutritional Information:
(Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
Once baked, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or even whole-grain bread work wonderfully in this recipe.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freeze: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
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Conclusion:
Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a quiet morning at home, this Easy French Toast Casserole is the perfect addition to your breakfast table. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Gather your ingredients, let your oven work its magic, and savor the sweet, cinnamony goodness that brings everyone together.
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Easy French Toast Casserole
Description
Nothing says “good morning” like the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. This Easy French Toast Casserole is the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch dish, perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or when you’re hosting family and friends. It’s a recipe steeped in warmth and tradition—reminiscent of childhood mornings spent around the breakfast table, eagerly awaiting the first bite of syrup-soaked perfection.
Unlike traditional French toast, which requires flipping slices of bread individually on the stovetop, this casserole makes things delightfully simple. It’s assembled in one dish and baked in the oven, leaving you more time to savor your coffee and enjoy the company of loved ones. Whether you’re planning ahead or want a quick breakfast solution, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 16 slices) of day-old French bread, cubed
- Eggs: 6 large
- Milk: 2 cups
- Heavy cream: ½ cup
- Sugar: ½ cup
- Brown sugar: ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Butter: ½ cup, melted
- Topping Ingredients:
- Brown sugar: ½ cup
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Flour: ½ cup
- Butter: ¼ cup, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Begin by cubing your bread into bite-sized pieces. Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. Spread the bread cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. The result should be a creamy, fragrant custard that’s ready to infuse the bread with flavor.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Use the back of a spoon to press the bread down slightly, helping it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Store this in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve Warm: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, add a dollop of whipped cream, or garnish with fresh fruit for a picture-perfect finish.
Notes
- To make the casserole dairy-free, substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk.
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, reduce the sugar slightly, and serve with fresh fruit instead of syrup.