Description
This Baked French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish perfect for family gatherings or a weekend treat. Made with cubes of French bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, then baked until golden brown and set, it’s a sweet and creamy delight that pairs perfectly with maple syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Bread and Mixture: Add the cubed French bread into the egg mixture and gently fold until all the bread cubes are thoroughly coated with the custard mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread and custard mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if preparing in advance, to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is fully set and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm, drizzling maple syrup on top to add sweetness and enhance the flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use a sturdy French bread or brioche to prevent sogginess.
- Refrigerating overnight helps the bread absorb the custard more thoroughly, intensifying the flavor.
- You can add fresh berries or nuts on top before baking for extra texture and taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.
