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Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Baked French Toast Casserole

This Baked French Toast Casserole is a delicious, make-ahead breakfast perfect for holidays or weekend brunches. Soft, custardy bread with a crispy, cinnamon-sugar top, all baked in one dish. Best served warm with maple syrup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 persons
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes Approximately 500g.
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk 480 ml.
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240 ml.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150 g.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 56 g.
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar 100 g.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
  • optional powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 2 mixing bowls 1 large, 1 medium
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Grease the 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of melted butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Place the cubed French bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
  4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press gently with a spatula to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the soaked bread before baking.
  8. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Notes

For best results, use day-old or slightly stale bread, as it absorbs the custard better.
Add chopped nuts or berries before baking for extra texture and flavor.
To prepare ahead, assemble and keep in the fridge overnight, then bake in the morning.