Traditional French Toast Casserole

Traditional French Toast Casserole: A Cozy Delight

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm, sweet aroma of a Traditional French Toast Casserole baking in the oven. The mingling scents of cinnamon and vanilla waft through the house, promising a delightful breakfast or brunch experience that’s best shared with loved ones. Imagine slicing into a golden, custard-soaked piece, only to unveil a fluffy interior that melts in your mouth. Each bite is a heavenly blend of egg and dairy, enrobed in soft, pillowy bread, with a slight crispness on top. As people gather around the table, ready to dig in, the delightful anticipation is palpable—this is what makes a French toast casserole so special.

This dish isn’t just about satisfying appetites; it’s about creating moments. It’s that perfect recipe for a cozy weekend brunch, a festive holiday gathering, or even a simple weekday pick-me-up for the family. When you serve it warm, drizzled with real maple syrup or sprinkled with fresh berries, you’re not just serving food—you’re serving love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s plenty to adore about this Traditional French Toast Casserole:

• Effortless Elegance: It’s an impressive dish that appears to have taken hours while actually being incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for when you have guests but don’t want to spend the whole morning in the kitchen.

• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it the night before, letting the flavors marry in the fridge while you catch up on your favorite show.

• Heavenly Flavor and Texture: With its custard-like interior and a gently crisp top, it strikes the perfect balance between being indulgent and comforting.

• Fuss-Free Cleanup: One pan to bake in means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying those precious moments with friends and family.

• Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs, making it versatile and approachable for everyone.

How to Make Traditional French Toast Casserole

Ready to whip up your own Traditional French Toast Casserole? Let’s walk through the process step-by-step. First, gather your ingredients, and then let’s dive in!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf brioche (challah or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Now let’s chat about what these key ingredients do in our dish.

• Brioche: This rich, buttery bread is what makes this casserole extra special. Its tender crumb soaks up the custard beautifully, creating that sought-after texture.

• Eggs & Milk: These are the backbone of our custard mixture. They provide creaminess and richness, ensuring each bite is smooth and decadent.

• Sugar & Cinnamon: These classic flavor pairings add warmth and a touch of sweetness. The cinnamon brings a comfortingly familiar aroma that makes this dish feel like a warm hug.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the dish, giving it an irresistible aromatic quality that lingers beautifully in the air.

• Butter: Drizzling melted butter on top not only enhances flavor but also creates a delightful crispiness that contrasts perfectly with the soft, soaked bread.

Feel free to play with substitutes: if your pantry is running low on brioche, challah works wonderfully too! You can even opt for a gluten-free bread, if needed.

Directions

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents any sticking woes and helps achieve that golden brown top.

Next, spread your bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. The more uniform, the better—this will ensure each piece gets soaked evenly in that rich custard.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This is the magic mixture that transforms simple bread into a custardy delight. You’ll want to whisk until no streaks remain and it looks smooth—this is when it starts to smell amazing!

Once mixed, pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing them down with your fingers so they can soak up all that luscious custard. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick at this stage; it will smooth out as it bakes.

Now, for a touch of decadence, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. You’ll notice how it pools in the nooks and crannies of the bread.

Let your casserole sit for about 10 minutes—this gives the bread time to soak up the custard. Meanwhile, if you want, you can take a taste of the egg mixture to check for sweetness; get creative and adjust it to your liking.

Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for about 40 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; you’ll notice the edges turn golden and crispy while the center gets set. When it looks perfect, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve it warm with maple syrup for drizzling, a dusting of powdered sugar, or simply pile on fresh berries. The choices are endless!

How to Serve Traditional French Toast Casserole

This dish shines as a mouthwatering centerpiece for breakfast or brunch gatherings. Picture serving it at a cozy family brunch or as the star of your holiday morning spread. Its golden crust and custard-like interior look beautiful on any table.

You can slice it into squares and serve it in the dish itself, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that café-style finish. For a more elegant touch, garnish each plate with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee, or perhaps mimosas for a festive flair. Whether it’s a sunny Sunday morning or a holiday breakfast, this casserole is sure to charm everyone around the table.

How to Store Traditional French Toast Casserole

If you happen to have any leftovers—though it’s usually devoured quickly—you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat your slice in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through; this will help maintain that beautiful crispy texture.

If you prefer, a quick microwave warm-up works too, but know that you might lose some of that delightful crispiness on the edges. You can also freeze individual portions for a quick breakfast later; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to two months, making them a perfect meal prep option.

Tips for Perfect Traditional French Toast Casserole

To help you achieve the best version of your Traditional French Toast Casserole, I’ve gathered some practical tips from my own kitchen adventures:

• Don’t Rush the Soaking: Allowing the bread to soak for a good 10-15 minutes ensures every piece is saturated in that custard mixture, leading to an evenly flavored and textured dish.

• Use Stale Bread: If possible, use slightly stale bread as it soaks up the custard nicely without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, consider toasting it lightly to dry it out a bit before mixing.

• Check for Doneness: If you’re unsure if it’s done, a quick poke in the center will help; if it springs back, it’s ready to be enjoyed.

• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the sugar level according to your preference—some prefer it sweeter, while others may like it more balanced with the savory components.

• Explore Flavor Variations: Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the bread mixture for an added flavor kick!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few creative takes on the Traditional French Toast Casserole that will delight your palate:

• Berry Burst: Fold in fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or strawberries) into the bread mixture for a fresh, fruity twist.

• Chocolate Delight: Add some semi-sweet chocolate chips to the bread mixture before pouring over the custard. The melted chocolate throughout the casserole adds an indulgent touch that’s hard to resist.

• Savory Spin: Swap out sugar for salt, and add cooked bacon or sausage pieces to the bread mixture. This unexpected twist transforms it into a savory dish fit for any brunch.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative to easily cater to those with dietary restrictions.

FAQs

Can I assemble this casserole a day in advance?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for prep ahead. Simply assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Bake it in the morning for a quick, delicious breakfast.

What type of bread works best?
For the best texture and flavor, brioche or challah work wonderfully due to their richness. However, any thick-sliced bread will work if that’s what you have on hand!

Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes! If you have leftovers, they can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for around 10-15 minutes, which helps retain its crispy texture. You can also microwave a slice, but be mindful of the texture—it may lose some crispiness.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! You can freeze assembled but unbaked casserole or baked leftovers. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, storing it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

Conclusion

Your journey to creating a delectable Traditional French Toast Casserole is just a few steps away. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but brings people together, turning ordinary mornings into memorable moments. So why not give this recipe a try? You might just find it becoming your new brunch favorite.

If you love this Traditional French Toast Casserole, save it for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too. Happy cooking!

Traditional French Toast Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: nounou
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting and easy-to-make French toast casserole with a custard-like interior and crispy top, perfect for brunch.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf brioche (or challah or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to soak them.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread mixture.
6. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak.
7. Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with maple syrup or fresh berries.

Notes

Allow the casserole to sit overnight in the fridge for a make-ahead option. Serve with additional toppings such as powdered sugar or whipped cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 190mg