Description
This French Toast Casserole is a delicious and comforting breakfast dish that combines the richness of custardy eggs with the sweetness of brown sugar and cinnamon. Perfectly baked until golden brown, it's an easy make-ahead recipe that will delight family and guests alike.
Ingredients
Bread and Base
- ½ a loaf of French bread (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
Custard Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (divided)
Topping
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 13x9 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to prepare for the casserole.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth. Pour this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Arrange Bread Cubes: Place the cubed French bread evenly over the brown sugar and butter base in the pan, ensuring all pieces are well distributed.
- Make Custard and Pour: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to saturate all the bread pieces. Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the casserole from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra moistness, allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning to save time.
- Using stale or day-old French bread helps to absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
- Optional toppings include fresh berries or maple syrup for extra flavor.
- Make sure to butter the baking pan well to prevent sticking and help with caramelization.
