On Christmas morning, the smell of warm French toast casserole filled our home. It brought back memories of my childhood. The scent and the thought of a cozy breakfast filled me with joy.
This French Toast Casserole is perfect for a big group. You can prepare it the night before. Just bake it in the morning. It’s great for slumber parties, holidays, or any special occasion.
It starts with dipping French baguette slices in egg batter. Then, they’re layered in a dish and topped with cinnamon sugar. This dish is ideal for holidays, Mother’s Day, or any special breakfast.
What is a French Toast Casserole?
A French toast casserole is a baked dish that combines the flavors of French toast into a rich breakfast or brunch treat. It’s made by layering bread, like challah or French bread, with a custard mix of eggs, milk, and spices. Then, it’s baked until it’s golden brown and delicious.
Overnight Preparation
This dish is great because it can be made the night before and baked in the morning. It’s perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch. The bread soaks up all the flavors, making it soft and custard-like inside, with a crispy top.
To prepare it overnight, just assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it. In the morning, bake it until it’s perfect. Your home will fill with the amazing smell of french toast casserole. It’s a great choice for overnight french toast and make-ahead breakfast needs.
Ingredients for the Ultimate French Toast Casserole
Making the perfect French toast casserole begins with picking the right ingredients. The main parts include:
- Bread – Challah, French bread, or sourdough are great. They soak up the custard well.
- Eggs – Large eggs make the custardy filling rich.
- Milk – Mixing milk with half-and-half makes it creamy.
- Sugar – Brown and white sugar add sweetness and caramel.
- Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla give it warm, comforting flavors.
- A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors.
For the topping, use melted butter or coconut oil, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. They add a crunchy contrast to the soft inside.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Challah bread | 1 loaf (about 1.5 pounds) |
| Eggs | 5 large |
| Milk | 1.5 cups |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons (for custard), 2 tablespoons (for topping) |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Melted butter or coconut oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Chopped pecans | 1/2 cup |
With these classic french toast casserole ingredients, you’re ready to make a breakfast masterpiece. It will impress your family and friends.
Preparing the French Toast Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a French toast casserole is easy and fun. Start by cutting bread into thick slices or cubes. Place half of them in a greased baking dish. This layer is the base for the tasty flavors.
Then, add any extras like cream cheese or fresh berries on top. This step boosts the taste and texture. Finish by covering the dish with the rest of the bread, creating layers.
In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. This custard mixture will give the bread its French toast taste. Pour it over the bread, pressing gently to soak it well.
Let the casserole sit in the fridge overnight or for 4 hours. This step lets the flavors mix and the bread soak up the custard. When ready, remove the cover, add cinnamon-sugar if you like, and bake at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes. It should be golden and set in the middle.
Follow these steps to make a tasty French toast casserole. It’s great for breakfast or brunch with friends and family.
Serving and Topping Suggestions
There are many ways to serve how to serve french toast casserole. This tasty topping ideas dish is best warm. You can enjoy it as is or with sweet sweet toppings. Here are some top picks:
- Dusting with a light layer of powdered sugar
- Drizzling with pure maple syrup
- Topping with fresh berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or a homemade blueberry sauce
- Adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or softened cream cheese
For a fuller breakfast, add crumbled bacon, breakfast sausage, or a fried egg. This breakfast bake is a hit at brunches or family meals.
| Topping | Flavor Profile | Prep Time | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powdered Sugar | Classic, sweet | 1 minute | 10 calories |
| Maple Syrup | Rich, sweet | 2 minutes | 50 calories |
| Fresh Berries | Fruity, tart | 5 minutes | 25 calories |
| Whipped Cream | Creamy, indulgent | 10 minutes | 80 calories |
Choosing how to serve and top your French toast casserole is up to you. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any breakfast or brunch. The warm, custardy French toast with sweet toppings is a treat.
French Toast Casserole for the Holidays
The french toast casserole is perfect for holiday meals. It’s easy to make ahead for Christmas morning, Mother’s Day, or any special day. Assemble it the night before and bake while everyone enjoys each other’s company. It’s a rich, custardy dish with festive toppings, making it a holiday favorite.
Making the french toast casserole for holidays is simple. It serves 10, with each serving having about 238 calories. It bakes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, ideal for holiday meals.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 238 | – |
| Total Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 106mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 561mg | 24% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Fiber | 4g | 17% |
| Sugar | 18g | 20% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
There are many ways to serve and top your french toast casserole. Try powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or sautéed apples. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit for a special touch.
Looking for a standout holiday dish? The french toast casserole is perfect. It’s easy to prepare and has delicious flavors. It’s sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
A make-ahead French toast casserole is super versatile. You can put it together the night before and chill it until baking time. It’s perfect for busy mornings or big gatherings. Just take it out of the fridge, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar if you like, and bake as instructed.
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked French toast casserole for up to 6 months. Just cover it well and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. Leftover baked French toast casserole stays fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven.
Refrigerating and Freezing Instructions
- To refrigerate: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days before baking.
- To freeze: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Leftover baked casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
With these tips, you can enjoy a French toast casserole anytime. Whether it’s for a special event or a quick breakfast during the week, it’s always ready.
French Toast Casserole
The french toast casserole recipe is a tasty breakfast or brunch dish. It combines custard-soaked bread with a crunchy topping. This dish is great for groups because you can make it the night before.
For a great classic french toast casserole, use sturdy bread like French bread or challah. The bread is cubed and soaked in a custard mix. Then, it’s baked until golden and puffed.
This recipe is very flexible. You can add your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices. Some great additions include:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice
- Dried cranberries or raisins
Serve the french toast casserole with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit. It makes a complete and delicious breakfast or brunch.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bread (French, sourdough, or challah) | 10 cups, cubed |
| Eggs | 5 large |
| Whole milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 4 tablespoons |
| Dark brown sugar, packed | 3 tablespoons |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | Pinch |
| Dried cranberries (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | 1/4 cup |
| Maple syrup (for serving) | 1 tablespoon |
Variations on the Classic Recipe
The classic French Toast Casserole is already a hit, but you can make it even better. Try using different breads like challah, brioche, or sourdough. Each one brings its own special taste and texture. You can also add cream cheese, berries, nuts, or a streusel topping to make it even more delicious.
For a richer treat, mix in a creamy cream cheese filling or top it with a sweet glaze. The choices are endless, making it easy to create your own special french toast casserole variations that will impress anyone.
Bread Options
- Challah
- Brioche
- Sourdough
Add-in Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Fresh or frozen berries
- Nuts
- Streusel topping
Decadent Toppings
- Cream cheese filling
- Sweet glaze
| Variation | Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Blueberry Cream Cheese | Brioche, cream cheese, fresh blueberries | Rich, creamy, and fruity |
| Pecan Streusel | Challah, chopped pecans, brown sugar streusel | Buttery, nutty, and crunchy |
| Sourdough with Maple Glaze | Sourdough, maple syrup, powdered sugar | Tangy, sweet, and comforting |
Nutritional Information
This French Toast Casserole is packed with nutrients. It has about 294 calories, 48 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat. It also has 167 mg of cholesterol, 409 mg of sodium, 189 mg of potassium, and 2 grams of fiber.
The exact calorie and nutrient amounts can change. This depends on the bread, milk, and any extra toppings or mix-ins you use. French Toast Casserole is a rich treat. It’s best to enjoy it in small amounts as part of a healthy diet.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 294 |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 167 mg |
| Sodium | 409 mg |
| Potassium | 189 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Keep in mind, the nutritional info given is an estimate. The actual values can differ based on the ingredients you choose for your French Toast Casserole.
Breakfast Potluck and Brunch Ideas
A French Toast Casserole is a great choice for breakfast potlucks or brunches. It’s easy to make ahead and bake in the morning. This lets you focus on other dishes.
This sweet and satisfying casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, breakfast meats, and egg dishes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for a potluck or the main dish at a holiday brunch.
For example, lutzflcat loved the Hawaiian sweet bread brunch casserole, calling it “melt-in-your-mouth luscious.” Happyschmoopies added extra blueberries and cream cheese, saying it didn’t need extra toppings.
LynnInHK used Costco’s cinnamon swirl bread, cut down eggs, and added brown sugar. She served it as a hit dessert at a Mother’s Day brunch. Melissa Goff also had success at Easter brunch, planning to adjust the eggs next time.
Breakfast potlucks and brunches are great to show off your cooking skills. A French Toast Casserole is a hit that’s easy to make ahead. It’s sure to please everyone at your gathering.
Conclusion
The easy french toast casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch. It has layers of thick-cut bread soaked in a rich custard. Baked to perfection, it offers a soft center and a golden top.
This make-ahead breakfast is great for lazy mornings or holiday gatherings. It’s also perfect for impressing family and friends with a delicious breakfast for a crowd.
Whether you follow the classic recipe or try fun variations, French Toast Casserole will be a hit. Its make-ahead ease and irresistible flavor make it a must-try for breakfast lovers.
Start your day with a slice of this indulgent French Toast Casserole. It’s a rich, custard-like interior with a crisp, golden exterior. It’s the perfect way to make your breakfast routine more luxurious.