French Toast Casserole
User Reviews
5
French Toast Casserole
Description
This French Toast Casserole starts with bread cubes that are dried out to better absorb the custard mixture without becoming soggy. The custard combines eggs, half-and-half, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, soaking into the bread to create a creamy texture once baked. The topping adds a buttery, nutty, and cinnamon-sweet crunch from melted butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Baking the casserole uncovered results in a golden, set center with a flavorful crust from the topping. The casserole is served warm and pairs well with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit to complement its sweet and spiced notes.
The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking, allowing the flavors to meld. Leftovers keep up to 4 days in the fridge and can be warmed in a microwave, oven, or air fryer, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftover enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 14 cups bread cubes 1-inch cubes
- 8 large egg
- 2 cups half and half or light cream
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping
- ½ cup butter melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Dry out the cubed bread by leaving it out for a few hours or baking in an oven preheated to 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread.
- For the topping, whisk the melted butter and ⅓ cup brown sugar. Stir in the pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently spoon the topping over the casserole.
- Cover the casserole dish and allow it to sit for at least 1 hour (or up to 48 hours).
- Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it rest on the counter while the oven preheats to 350°F.
- Bake the French toast uncovered for 40 to 50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and is hot.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream or fruit.
Notes
- Dense breads like brioche are preferred for their texture when baked in this casserole.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 48 hours before baking.
- Leftovers keep in the refrigerator up to 4 days and reheat well in microwave, oven, or air fryer.
- The pecan topping can be swapped with a streusel made from brown sugar, flour, butter, oats, and cinnamon for variety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 417 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 417 | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 131mg | 44% |
| Sodium | 443mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 110mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 527IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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