French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole: A Delicious Make-Ahead Breakfast

Looking for a rich, comforting breakfast that’s perfect for special occasions or weekend brunch? This French Toast Casserole is the ultimate indulgence. Made with thick, crusty bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture and topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, this dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for a warm and flavorful start to your day!

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• 1 loaf sourdough bread (or brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sugar

For the Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes evenly in a greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish. This will form the base of your casserole.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugar until well combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the dish, making sure all the bread is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. This gives the bread time to absorb all the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms small, pea-sized crumbs. Place the topping mixture in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight along with the casserole.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake

Take the casserole out of the refrigerator and uncover it. Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the soaked bread cubes. Bake the casserole uncovered for 45-60 minutes, depending on how soft or crispy you prefer it. For a softer texture, aim for 45 minutes. If you like your casserole more firm and crisp on the edges, let it bake closer to 60 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked to your liking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs beautifully with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Servings: 8
• Calories: 360 kcal per serving

A Make-Ahead Breakfast Favorite

This French Toast Casserole is not only indulgent and delicious, but it’s also incredibly convenient. You can prepare the entire dish the night before, making it ideal for holiday mornings or when you have guests. The cinnamon-sugar topping bakes into a crispy, sweet layer that complements the soft, custardy French toast underneath.

It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert when paired with whipped cream or ice cream. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, this French Toast Casserole is sure to be a hit!

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