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French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4 from 32 reviews

This French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish featuring crusty French bread cubes soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, then baked to a golden, puffed perfection. The casserole is flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and optionally served with powdered sugar and maple syrup. Perfect for a make-ahead brunch or weekend treat, it offers a tender yet slightly crisp texture with a comforting sweet flavor balance.

Ingredients

French Toast Casserole

  • 1 Loaf Crusty French Bread (about 14-16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 tablespoons Butter, melted
  • 6 Large Eggs
  • 1½ cups Milk
  • ½ cup Half & Half
  • 8 tablespoons Sugar, divided (organic raw sugar recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons Cinnamon, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • Cooking Spray or extra Butter, to grease the baking dish

For Serving (Optional)

  • Powdered Sugar
  • Maple Syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Bread: Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh and soft, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes to dry them slightly, ensuring they absorb the custard well without becoming mushy.
  3. Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, half & half, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
  4. Combine Bread and Custard: Add the dried bread cubes to the custard mixture and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, arranging in an even layer but do not press down. Sprinkle the top evenly with a mixture of the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
  6. Chill: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the bread to soak in the custard fully.
  7. Bring to Room Temperature: Before baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to prevent thermal shock to the bakeware.
  8. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
  9. Bake: Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is puffed and golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for food safety.
  10. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness.

Notes

  • Bread Options: French bread works best, but sturdy breads like challah, brioche, or Italian bread are excellent alternatives. Avoid very soft sandwich bread to prevent sogginess.
  • Drying Fresh Bread: If using fresh bread, to avoid mushiness, bake cubes at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until lightly toasted and dry.
  • Make-Ahead: Assemble casserole the night before and refrigerate covered. Let rest at room temperature 20-30 minutes before baking.
  • Baking Tips: Baking time varies based on bread type, dish thickness, and oven. Bake until center is set but still soft to keep a tender interior.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/french-toast-casserole-recipe/