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Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4 from 46 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 8 hrs 45 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings (1 9x13-inch casserole)

Description

This Easy French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional French toast, offering a convenient overnight method that eliminates the need for flipping individual slices. Perfect for casual weekend or holiday breakfasts, this recipe combines crusty French bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla, topped with a cinnamon-brown sugar blend, and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Casserole:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 (8-ounce) loaf crusty French bread, cut into bite-sized pieces (more as needed)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn't stick during baking.
  2. Make the butter and sugar mixture: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together 1 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup unsalted butter until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 2 to 4 minutes. Pour this caramel-like mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Layer the bread: Scatter the bite-sized pieces of crusty French bread evenly over the butter-brown sugar mixture in a 1 ½- to 2-inch layer.
  4. Mix the custard: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups milk, 6 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Soak the bread: Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the bread pieces, then press down gently with a spatula so the bread soaks up the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
  6. Prepare to bake: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon brown sugar with 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this evenly over the soaked bread casserole.
  8. Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
  9. Serve: Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Spoon some of the caramel sauce from the bottom of the pan on top for extra flavor.
  10. Optional variations: Add blueberries or sliced apples before soaking for a fruity twist. Dust with extra cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch.

Notes

  • If short on time, bake at 450°F (230°C) for about 30 minutes, watching closely and covering with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  • Adding fruit such as blueberries or sliced apples can enhance the flavor and texture.
  • Sprinkling extra cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving adds a decorative and flavorful finish.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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