Name: French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: Unsalted butter or coconut oil, for the pan; 1 loaf challah bread, about 1½ pounds, 1 or 2 days old, cut into 1-inch cubes; 5 large eggs; 1½ cups milk; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; Maple syrup, for serving; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; ½ cup chopped pecans

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There’s something truly special about making a warm and comforting dish like French Toast Casserole for a weekend brunch. Growing up, my family often gathered around the kitchen table, eagerly waiting for the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla to fill the air. This dish brings back those heartwarming memories, providing a delicious way to start the day together. Imagine slicing into a fluffy, custardy casserole that melds the rich flavors of eggs and milk with the sweetness of brown sugar and maple syrup. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it always leaves everyone wanting just one more bite.

Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy Sunday morning, French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to bring loved ones together. You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time, making it a fabulous choice for brunches where you want to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can create a dish that not only pleases the palate but also warms the heart.

This casserole is particularly special during the fall season, when the air is crisp and the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg are in the spotlight. Each slice is a little piece of heaven, especially when topped with a drizzle of maple syrup. So why not make this your go-to recipe for gatherings? With its ease and flavor, French Toast Casserole will undoubtedly become a cherished family favorite.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins

Prep Time:
45 mins

Cook Time:
45 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
9 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
9×13 Baking Dish, Mixing Bowls

Why You Need This French Toast Casserole

1. It’s Perfect for Gatherings

One of the best things about French Toast Casserole is how it brings people together. It’s easy to make a large batch, which means fewer ingredients to prepare individually. You can focus more on enjoying the company of family and friends. The communal experience of sharing a delicious meal is something I truly cherish.

2. Make-Ahead Friendly

This dish is a dream for busy mornings! You can prepare it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. That way, while it’s baking, you can brew your coffee, set the table, and enjoy a few quiet moments before the chaos of gathering begins. It’s a time saver without sacrificing flavor.

3. Versatile Toppings

Another reason to love French Toast Casserole is the variety of toppings you can add. Whether you like a simple drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even some fresh berries, there’s no wrong way to serve it. I often let my guests choose their favorite toppings, which adds a personal touch to each serving.

4. Comforting Flavors

The combination of challah bread, eggs, and spices creates a rich and comforting flavor that everyone loves. The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any time of the day.

5. Kid-Friendly

If you have kids, they’re sure to love this dish! It’s sweet enough to feel like a treat, but it also has the nutrition you want for your family. Plus, let’s be honest—who can resist a dish that involves bread and syrup? It’s a win-win for parents and children alike.

6. Easy to Customize

Finally, French Toast Casserole is incredibly customizable. You can mix in your favorite ingredients, like nuts or dried fruits, to make it your own. Want it a bit sweeter? Add more brown sugar. Prefer a little crunch? Toss in some chopped pecans. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients for French Toast Casserole

When it comes to creating the perfect French Toast Casserole, the ingredients play a vital role. Each component brings its unique flavor and texture, combining harmoniously to create a memorable dish. The main players in this recipe are challah bread, eggs, and milk, which form the base of this delightful casserole. Let’s explore the ingredients that make this dish so special.

Unsalted butter or coconut oil, for the pan: This is essential for greasing the baking dish, ensuring your casserole doesn’t stick and gives it a rich flavor.
1 loaf challah bread, about 1½ pounds, 1 or 2 days old, cut into 1-inch cubes: The bread is the star of the show, providing a soft, fluffy texture that soaks up the custard mixture beautifully.
5 large eggs: These add richness and help bind the casserole together, making it fluffy and custardy.
1½ cups milk: This is key to creating the creamy base of the casserole, bringing moisture and flavor.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: This sweetener enhances the flavor profile and caramelizes nicely during baking.
2 teaspoons vanilla: This adds warmth and depth, making the dish aromatic and delicious.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: A staple spice that adds warmth and a touch of sweetness.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg: This enhances the warm flavors and complements the cinnamon perfectly.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Maple syrup, for serving: The ideal topping that adds sweetness and a lovely drizzle to finish off each slice.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted: This adds richness to the topping and helps create a golden crust.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: A bit more sweetness for the top layer, which caramelizes during baking.
½ cup chopped pecans: These add a great crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft casserole.

Putting Together French Toast Casserole

Assembling your French Toast Casserole isn’t just easy; it’s a fun process that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Let’s dive into the steps that bring this delightful dish to life.

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch or similar baking dish with unsalted butter or coconut oil. This ensures that your casserole won’t stick to the dish, allowing for easy serving later on. Make sure you cover the entire surface evenly.
Next, place the cubes of challah bread into the greased baking dish. Spread them out evenly; it’s important to have each piece soak in the custard later. I like to create a checkerboard pattern for a beautiful presentation.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Make sure everything is well combined; you want a smooth mixture that will coat the bread evenly.
Once your custard mixture is ready, pour it evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread, ensuring it absorbs the custard. Allow it to soak—this is crucial for that luscious, custardy texture.
If you’re preparing this casserole ahead of time, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. If not, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the casserole evenly, creating a golden top while keeping the inside fluffy.
While the oven is heating, it’s time to prepare the topping. Drizzle the casserole with melted unsalted butter or coconut oil. Then, sprinkle with the extra brown sugar and chopped pecans. This will create a delightful caramelized crust on top.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. This helps to trap steam, ensuring the casserole cooks through without drying out.
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is browned and the egg mixture has mostly set. Keep an eye on it; you want a beautiful golden color on top.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to set up a bit more, making it easier to slice.
Finally, serve warm, drizzled with maple syrup. Watch as everyone digs into this comforting delight, savoring every bite!

Things Worth Knowing

Soaking Time Matters: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard mixture is crucial. This step ensures the casserole is moist and custardy rather than dry.
Variations: Feel free to mix in fruits like berries or bananas for added flavor. You can also experiment with different types of bread for unique textures.
Check for Doneness: It’s essential to ensure the casserole is cooked through. You want the center to be set but still soft, not runny.
Serving Temperature: This casserole is best served warm. If you need to reheat it, do so gently to maintain its texture.

Tips for Success

Cooking French Toast Casserole can be a breeze with these handy tips! Follow along to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Texture: For a softer casserole, let the bread soak longer in the egg mixture. This will yield a creamier texture.
Serving Style: Consider serving it with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

Perfect Pairings for French Toast Casserole

When serving French Toast Casserole, you have plenty of delightful pairing options. This dish shines in a variety of settings, from casual brunches to festive gatherings. Here are some ideas:

Fresh Fruit: Pair your casserole with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a citrus fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Beverages: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee, tea, or even a flavored sparkling water for a light beverage option.
Seasonal Occasions: This dish is perfect for fall celebrations like Thanksgiving or cozy winter weekends when everyone craves comfort food.
Light Salads: Consider a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
Brunch Buffets: It’s great for potlucks or brunch buffets where guests can serve themselves and enjoy a variety of dishes.

FAQ

Absolutely! One of the best things about French Toast Casserole is that you can prepare it ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and you’ll have a delicious brunch ready to go. This convenience makes it perfect for gatherings!

While challah bread is a traditional choice due to its soft and fluffy texture, feel free to experiment with other types of bread. Brioche, French bread, or even a dense whole grain bread can work beautifully. The key is to use bread that can absorb the custard without falling apart, so choose something slightly stale for the best results.

Leftover French Toast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at a low temperature or microwave it until warm. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Yes, you can freeze the assembled French Toast Casserole before baking! Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and it will last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This is a great way to prepare ahead for special occasions!

Conclusion

In summary, French Toast Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug from your kitchen that brings people together. With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, it’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try making this casserole for your next gathering or cozy brunch at home. You won’t regret it, and neither will your taste buds!