Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This baked French toast casserole is the perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. With a rich, custardy bottom layer that doesn’t even need syrup, it’s an easy dish to prepare and bake for a delicious start to your day. This recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd or for making ahead of time for a special occasion. The golden, caramelized edges and fluffy interior are guaranteed to satisfy any sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of thick bread (such as brioche or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the bread slices in the dish, slightly overlapping each slice. If you like, you can cut the bread into cubes for a more rustic look.
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour over bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Press the bread gently into the custard to help it absorb the liquid. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the bread can soak up the mixture.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. The casserole should be puffed up and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness, and serve with maple syrup if desired. Enjoy the delicious layers of French toast without the need for extra syrup!
This baked French toast casserole serves about 6-8 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or special breakfasts.