Easy French Toast Casserole

$- 8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 cup chopped pecans - Powdered sugar for dusting - Fresh berries for serving I recommend using day-old brioche or challah bread. It holds the egg mixture well. Fresh bread can get too soggy. The eggs, milk, and cream create a rich base. This mix makes the casserole creamy and soft. Flavor enhancers add depth. Maple syrup gives sweetness. Vanilla extract adds warmth. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring spice. They work together to create a cozy taste. Optional add-ins let you customize your dish. Chopped pecans add crunch and flavor. You can dust the casserole with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Fresh berries on top give a pop of color and freshness. For the full recipe, check the section above. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. Next, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This will stop the casserole from sticking. Now, in a large bowl, whisk together six large eggs and two cups of whole milk. Add in half a cup of heavy cream, a quarter cup of maple syrup, one tablespoon of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix well until everything blends together. Next, take eight slices of day-old brioche or challah bread. Cut them into cubes. Add these cubes to your egg mixture. Gently fold the bread into the mixture. Make sure all the pieces get coated. If you want to add some crunch, toss in half a cup of chopped pecans. This step is optional but adds great flavor. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks well. Cover it with foil and let it sit in the fridge. You can wait at least 30 minutes or even overnight for better flavor. When you’re ready, bake the casserole covered for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. Once it cools for a few minutes, you can dust it with powdered sugar. Serve it warm with fresh berries on top. Enjoy this easy French toast casserole! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Using day-old bread is key for this dish. Fresh bread can turn mushy. Day-old bread soaks up the egg mix well. It gives the casserole a nice, fluffy texture. Soaking time is also important. Let the bread sit in the egg mix for at least 30 minutes. If you can, soak it overnight. This enhances the flavor and ensures a richer taste. You can top your French toast casserole with many fun things. Fresh berries are a great choice. They add color and a burst of flavor. You might also like whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Pair your casserole with drinks like coffee or hot chocolate. A sweet tea also works well for brunch. These drinks make the meal even better. For this recipe, use a 9x13 inch baking dish. This size fits all the ingredients nicely and bakes evenly. Some essential tools you will need include a whisk and mixing bowls. A spatula is great for folding in the bread. These tools make preparation fast and easy. For the full recipe, check out the Decadent French Toast Casserole section. {{image_2}} You can make this dish fit your needs. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk instead of whole milk. Coconut cream works well in place of heavy cream. If you need gluten-free choices, try gluten-free bread. Look for brands that have good texture and taste. Adding chocolate chips makes the casserole extra fun. Just fold in about a cup before baking. You can also add seasonal fruits like apples or berries. This gives a fresh taste and bright colors to your dish. If you want a sweeter dish, add more maple syrup. This turns your casserole into a dessert-style treat. Serve it at brunch with whipped cream or ice cream. Guests will love this twist on a classic dish. To keep your French toast casserole fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Always let it cool before sealing it up. You have two main ways to reheat this dish: the oven or the microwave. The oven gives you a nice texture. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it soft. The microwave is quicker but may make it soggy. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze French toast casserole! Just make sure it's fully cooled first. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. This can help prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes. Cover it with foil for the first half, then uncover to crisp it up. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. This method has great benefits. Soaking the bread overnight lets it absorb more of the egg mixture. This makes for a richer flavor. The bread becomes soft and custardy. Your casserole will be moist and tasty. Just remember to cover it well in the fridge. To check if the casserole is done, look for a few signs. The top should be golden brown. You can insert a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If the center is wet, bake a few more minutes. This ensures that your casserole is fully cooked. Absolutely! You can use many types of bread for this recipe. Brioche and challah work best for their softness. However, you can try sourdough or whole wheat bread too. Each type brings its own flavor and texture. Have fun experimenting to find your favorite combination! This blog post guided you through making a delicious French toast casserole. We explored main ingredients and flavor enhancers to elevate your dish. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare, bake, and serve this tasty treat. I shared tips for the best texture and storage options. With ideas on variations, you can personalize your casserole to fit any meal. Enjoy your creations and remember, cooking is all about making it your own!$

Easy French Toast Casserole

Indulge in a mouthwatering Decadent French Toast Casserole that’s perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast! This easy recipe combines rich brioche or challah bread with creamy custard, cinnamon, and maple flavors, topped with fresh berries. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress.

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Ingredients

8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Fresh berries, for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Add the cubed brioche or challah bread to the egg mixture, gently folding to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. If using, fold in the chopped pecans.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with foil and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.

Bake the casserole, covered with foil, for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar.

Serve warm, topped with fresh berries and an extra drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8