Discover your ultimate breakfast solution with this delightful baked French toast casserole. It is perfect for those busy mornings or when you crave something special. This recipeās make-ahead convenience lets you prepare most of the work the night before, freeing up your morning. Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, topped with a crunchy streusel. This casserole is truly perfect for holidays, special occasions, and feeding hungry crowds with ease.
Table of Contents
Why Youāll Love This Baked French Toast Casserole
This wonderful baked french toast casserole truly transforms your morning routine. Here are just a few reasons why you will adore this sweet breakfast bake:
- Effortless Overnight Preparation: Assemble it the night before and simply bake it in the morning, making your day much smoother.
- Feeds a Large Group Easily: This recipe is perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or holiday breakfasts, ensuring everyone gets a generous slice.
- Combines Classic French Toast Flavor: Enjoy all the beloved tastes of traditional French toast in a convenient, comforting casserole format.
- Features a Delightful Streusel Topping: A sweet, crumbly streusel adds an amazing textural contrast and extra flavor dimension.
- Highly Customizable with Add-ins: Easily incorporate your favorite fruits, nuts, or chocolate for a personalized touch.
- Great for Special Occasions: Elevate any celebration or holiday breakfast with this impressive yet simple dish.
- Minimizes Morning Rush: No more standing by the stove flipping individual slices; just pop it in the oven and relax.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients to create this lovely baked french toast casserole. Each component plays a crucial role in building the amazing flavor and texture of this sweet dish.
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound loaf of brioche, challah, french bread, or white bread
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons cold butter (cut into pieces)
Notes & Substitutions
- Choose the right breadĀ for best results: brioche, challah, or French bread absorbs custard well without falling apart.
- Slightly stale bread works bestĀ as it prevents sogginess and absorbs the egg mixture more effectively.
- Adjust the milk and cream ratioĀ in the custard based on your richness preference; whole milk is a great lighter option.
- Experiment with spicesĀ like a pinch of cardamom or allspice alongside, or instead of, cinnamon and nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
Equipment
You will need just a few basic kitchen tools for preparing this wonderful baked french toast casserole. These items make the process smooth and enjoyable for any home cook.
- A sturdy 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for holding the casserole.
- You will also need large mixing bowls for whisking the custard and preparing the streusel.
- A whisk is perfect for ensuring the egg mixture is smooth and well combined.
- A pastry blender is optional but helpful for easily cutting the cold butter into the streusel ingredients, creating a perfectly crumbly topping.
How To Make Baked French Toast Casserole
Creating this delicious baked french toast casserole is straightforward, especially with the overnight preparation. Follow these steps for a beautiful, golden-brown breakfast.
- Prepare Baking Dish: First, lightly grease a 9Ć13″ baking dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes for easy serving.
- Cube Bread: Next, cut your chosen bread into 1-inch chunks. Arrange these bread cubes in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Mix Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eight large eggs until they are well beaten. Then, add the heavy cream, milk, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until completely combined and smooth.
- Soak Bread: Carefully pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to gently toss the bread, ensuring all pieces are well coated and submerged in the delicious liquid. Spread them into an even layer.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator and allow the bread to soak for at least 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This soaking time is crucial for developing the best flavor and texture in your overnight french toast bake.
- Make Topping: The next morning, or at least 30 minutes before baking, prepare your streusel. In a separate bowl, combine the 3 Tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Stir these dry ingredients together.
- Chill Topping: Add the 2 Tablespoons of cold butter, cut into small pieces, to the sugar and spice mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover the streusel mixture and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake the casserole.
- Preheat Oven: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Add Topping: Uncover the baking dish containing the soaked french toast casserole. Evenly sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the entire surface of the bread mixture.
- Bake Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The baked french toast casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and the custard in the center is set. You can gently jiggle the pan to check if the center is still liquid.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the custard to firm up beautifully. Finish with your desired toppings and enjoy this wonderful breakfast.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked French Toast Casserole
Achieving a perfect baked french toast casserole is easy with these helpful tips. They ensure your dish turns out wonderfully golden and delicious every time.
- Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread is key; it prevents your casserole from becoming soggy by absorbing the custard more effectively.
- Don’t Skimp on Soaking: Allow the bread to soak for the full 8 hours or overnight. This ensures it fully absorbs the flavorful custard, resulting in a tender interior.
- Press Bread Down: Gently press the bread cubes down into the custard mixture. This ensures every piece gets properly saturated for even cooking.
- Perfect Streusel Texture: Always use cold butter for the streusel and avoid overmixing it. This creates a beautifully crumbly, rather than doughy, topping.
- Avoid Overbaking: Bake just until the casserole is set and golden. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep an eye on it during the final minutes.
- Rest Before Serving: Give your casserole at least 10 minutes to rest after baking. This allows the custard to fully set, making for cleaner, more stable servings.
- Cover if Browning Too Fast: If your streusel topping starts to brown too quickly, lightly tent the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile baked french toast casserole is delightful on its own, but these ideas can elevate your breakfast experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle generously with pure maple syrup or a homemade berry syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Garnish with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas to add freshness and color.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.
- Sprinkle with candied pecans or toasted nuts for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover baked french toast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze Baked Casserole: For longer storage, freeze the fully baked and cooled casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw and Reheat: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the entire casserole, covered with foil, in a 300Ā°F (150Ā°C) oven until warmed through.
Flavor Variations
- Fruity Fun: Stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches into the bread mixture before soaking.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping or the bread mixture for extra texture.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) with the bread cubes for a sweet surprise.
- Seasonal Spices: Swap or add a pinch of pumpkin spice or cardamom to the custard for a unique seasonal flavor.
- Orange Zest: For a brighter, citrusy note, grate fresh orange zest into the custard mixture. This elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
Nutrition
Enjoying a serving of this delicious baked French toast casserole can be part of a balanced meal. This flavorful dish provides a good source of energy, protein, and essential nutrients. It is a hearty breakfast option that will keep you satisfied. So that you know, these values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 384kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g |
| Cholesterol | 188mg |
| Sodium | 493mg |
| Potassium | 227mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 23g |
| Vitamin A | 717IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg |
| Calcium | 139mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
This breakfast provides sustained energy from carbohydrates and protein, and according toĀ the science-backed benefits of eating oats, starting your day with whole grains can support heart health, digestion, and long-lasting fullness.
FAQ
You might have a few questions about making the perfect baked French toast casserole. Here are some common queries and their answers to help you along.
What kind of bread is best for French toast casserole?
Brioche, challah, or sturdy French bread work wonderfully, and using slightly stale bread helps prevent a soggy casserole.
Can I make French toast casserole without soaking overnight?
While overnight soaking is ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can soak it for at least 30 minutes if you are short on time.
How do I prevent my casserole from getting soggy?
The best way is to use slightly stale bread, ensure it soaks evenly, and avoid over-soaking for too many days.
Can you freeze baked French toast casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to two months; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
How do you reheat French toast casserole?
Reheat the entire casserole, covered with foil, in a 300Ā°F oven until warm, or microwave individual servings until heated through.
Conclusion
This easy overnight baked French toast casserole truly embodies simplicity, flavor, and convenience, making it a must-try for any home cook. Its make-ahead nature ensures a stress-free morning, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, crowd-pleasing breakfast without the rush. Whether for a special holiday brunch or a delightful weekend treat, this versatile dish is sure to bring joy to your kitchen. Give this lovely recipe a try and discover your new favorite breakfast solution!
Easy Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole with Streusel Topping
Equipment
- 9×13 baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- pastry blender
- Oven
Ingredients
French Toast Casserole
- 1 pound bread brioche, challah, french bread, or white bread
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar packed
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 Tablespoons cold butter cut into pieces
Instructions
Assemble Casserole
- Grease a 9×13″ baking dish, then cut your chosen bread into 1-inch chunks and place them evenly in the prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the cream, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently toss to ensure all bread is coated, and then spread into an even layer before refrigerating overnight.
Prepare Topping
- For the topping, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and mix with a pastry blender or your hands until the mixture is crumbly, then cover and refrigerate until morning.
Bake and Serve
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and then remove the French toast casserole from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the prepared streusel topping evenly over the casserole and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
- Allow the baked French toast casserole to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with homemade syrup, berries, whipped cream, or any other desired toppings.