French Toast Casserole
User Reviews
4.6
French Toast Casserole
Description
The French Toast Casserole begins by layering cubed day-old bread in a baking dish, providing structure while allowing the custard mixture to soak in evenly. The custard combines eggs with dairy, sweeteners, and vanilla for flavor and richness. The topping mix of sugars, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter creates a crumbly streusel that crisps up in the oven, adding texture and a touch of sweetness to the casserole’s surface.
Baking covered initially helps the custard set through the bread without drying out, then uncovering finishes the crust for a balanced moist center and golden crunch. The cinnamon in the custard and topping infuses warm spice notes throughout the dish. Serving with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar complements the baked casserole’s flavors and adds extra sweetness.
This casserole works well for feeding a group, especially since it's made ahead and baked before serving. Variations in the choice of breads like challah or sourdough can impact texture and flavor subtly. The recipe’s custard-to-bread ratio creates a custardy interior with a tender chew.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 16 ounces French bread or challah or sourdough, day old
- 10 large egg
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup half and half
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons butter cold
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.
- Slice the bread into 1" cubes. Place the bread evenly in the prepared pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half and half, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Whisk until the eggs are broken up and well combined with the other ingredients.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread.
- Place the topping ingredients in a medium bowl. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the butter into the topping. Do this until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel over the casserole.
- Cover the baking pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes covered. Then uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes or until the center is set.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Notes
- This recipe serves 12; one serving is one twelfth of the casserole.
- Day-old bread is preferred to absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
- For added sweetness, serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Calorie counts are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 294 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 294kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 190mg | 63% |
| Sodium | 308mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 186mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 432IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 107mg | 11% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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