Pin A warm, comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread, baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
I first made French Toast Bake for a weekend brunch. Everyone loved how the golden top contrasted with the creamy inside. It disappeared quickly, making it my go-to breakfast for guests.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 400 g) day-old bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Custard: 6 large eggs, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt
- Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted), 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare dish and bread:
- Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread bread cubes evenly in dish.
- Make custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- Add custard:
- Pour custard mix evenly over bread cubes, pressing gently so all pieces are soaked.
- Mix and drizzle topping:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle over the casserole.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Bake:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Remove dish from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden and set.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cool 5 minutes. Serve warm with optional maple syrup, berries, or powdered sugar.
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French Toast Bake became a weekend favorite. My kids help pour the custard and sprinkle the topping, turning breakfast into a cheerful family tradition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a handful of berries, or lightly dusted powdered sugar for extra sweetness. A side of fresh fruit or yogurt complements the bake perfectly.
Allergen Information
The recipe includes eggs, dairy, and wheat. Always check individual ingredient labels to ensure safety for guests with food allergies.
Nutrition
Each serving provides about 320 calories, 13 g fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein, making this bake a satisfying but balanced breakfast option.
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Pin This casserole is best enjoyed straight from the oven. Prep it the night before for a stress-free and delicious breakfast.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best for this dish?
Firm, day-old breads like brioche or challah are ideal as they soak up custard without becoming too soggy.
- → Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, refrigerate the soaked bread overnight before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
- → How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
The casserole should be set in the center and the top golden brown after about 35-40 minutes of baking.
- → Are there topping options to add texture?
Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking add a pleasant crunch.
- → Can dietary preferences be accommodated?
Dairy alternatives and gluten-free breads can be used to suit various dietary needs.