Irresistible French Toast Casserole: A Cozy Brunch Delight

Imagine the aroma of warm cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, the soft texture of custardy bread mingling with sweet maple syrup, creating a delightful French Toast Casserole. cinnamon roll casserole variation Picture gathering around a table with family and friends, laughter mixing with the scent of this mouthwatering dish, making every moment feel like a cozy Sunday morning. cinnamon delight muffins.

This delectable treat isn’t just for brunch; it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or lazy weekends when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. The anticipation builds as you dig into layers of fluffy bread soaked in a rich custard, each bite promising a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds.

There was that one time I made this French Toast Casserole for my family reunion, and let me tell you, the way my cousin’s eyes lit up was priceless! Everyone devoured it in minutes and demanded the recipe. vegetable pasta bake.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bread: Choose day-old brioche or challah for the best flavor and texture; fresh bread can get too soggy.
• Eggs: Use large eggs to create a rich custard base; they bind everything beautifully.
• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
• Heavy Cream: A splash enhances richness; it’s optional but highly recommended for indulgence.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon infuses warmth; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings depth of flavor; don’t skimp on this one!
• Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for sweetness; avoid imitation syrup if possible.
• Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Chopped nuts add crunch and texture; toast them lightly for extra flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. It helps to have everything ready before diving into the cooking process.

Prepare the Bread: Cut your day-old bread into cubes and place them in a greased baking dish. This forms the base of the casserole.

Create the Custard Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup until smooth. Ensure everything is well combined.

Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes evenly. Gently toss to coat all pieces thoroughly without crushing them.

Cover and Chill: Cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Bake It Up* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove cover from the casserole and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top. berry croissant bake The aroma will be heavenly!

Serve warm with extra maple syrup drizzled on top if desired. Enjoy every bite of this delightful French Toast Casserole with friends or family! For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot breakfast casserole recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by whisking together eggs, milk, and spices before soaking the bread. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap traditional bread for brioche or croissants for a richer taste. Add fruits like blueberries or bananas for extra sweetness and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick enjoyment.

Sharing this recipe with friends always leads to laughter and compliments—especially from that one friend who claims they can’t cook but devoured half the casserole!

FAQ

Can I make French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and refrigerate overnight for best results.

What type of bread works best?

Brioche, challah, or any dense bread gives the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn; it lasts up to three months.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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French Toast Casserole: A Cozy Delight

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of French Toast Casserole, perfect for brunch or holiday gatherings. This easy-to-make dish features layers of fluffy bread soaked in a rich custard, infused with cinnamon and sweet maple syrup. It’s a crowd-pleaser that not only warms your kitchen with its delightful aroma but also creates memorable moments around the table. Impress your family and friends without the fuss—this French Toast Casserole is sure to become a cherished favorite.

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Ingredients

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• 8 cups day-old brioche or challah, cubed
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients on your counter for easy access.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a greased baking dish, arrange cubed bread evenly.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup until smooth.
5. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring even coverage. Gently toss to coat without crushing the bread.
6. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
7. Remove cover and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top.
8. Serve warm with extra maple syrup drizzled on top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 180mg