French Toast Casserole
A warm, custardy breakfast bake with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. This make-ahead casserole is perfect for holidays, brunch, or a lazy weekend morning, filling your home with the coziest aroma.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread
- b.Generously grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
- c.Arrange the cubed brioche bread in a single, even layer in the prepared dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Custard
- b.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 large eggs until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
- c.Add the whole milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- d.Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Soak the Bread
- b.Carefully and evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
- c.Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to ensure all pieces are moistened, but do not compress it.
- d.Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the best texture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Streusel Topping and Preheat Oven
- b.When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- c.In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, the remaining 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- d.Add the 8 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake the Casserole
- b.Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover it.
- c.Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface.
- d.Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the center is set (a knife inserted into the center should come out clean with no liquid egg).
- e.If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- c.Serve warm slices drizzled with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use day-old or slightly stale bread. It absorbs the custard much better without becoming soggy.
- 2The overnight soak is highly recommended. It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a creamier, more uniform texture.
- 3Ensure your eggs are fully whisked before adding other liquid ingredients to avoid streaks of cooked egg white in the final dish.
- 4Don't skip the resting period after baking. It allows the custard to set further, making it easier to slice and serve clean portions.
- 5Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit-Filled
Gently fold in 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) or sliced peaches among the bread cubes before pouring the custard over.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping mixture for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Chocolate Chip DelightChocolate Chip Delight
Sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips over the bread before adding the custard for a decadent, dessert-like twist.
Orange ZestOrange Zest
Add the zest of one large orange to the custard mixture for a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the cinnamon and vanilla.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein for Satiety
Eggs and dairy provide high-quality protein, which helps you feel full and satisfied, reducing the urge to snack later in the morning.
Provides Essential Nutrients
This dish contains calcium from milk for bone health and choline from eggs, which is important for brain function and development.
Comforting Energy Source
The carbohydrates from the bread and sugar offer a quick source of energy, making it a classic choice for a special occasion breakfast or brunch.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this French Toast Casserole, including the streusel topping and a drizzle of maple syrup, is estimated to be between 550 and 650 calories. This can vary based on the exact type of bread and specific ingredients used.