Description
Creamy French Toast Casserole brings comfort from the first delightful bite. Layers of cinnamon-kissed bread cubes soaked in rich custard create a perfect weekend breakfast that pulls families together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf sourdough bread (or brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (150 grams) sugar
Flavoring:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100 grams) packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113 grams) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Transform stale bread into delectable cubes, arranging them uniformly across a generously greased rectangular baking vessel.
- Whisk together a luxurious custard blend of eggs, dairy, vanilla essence, and sweet granules until thoroughly incorporated.
- Cascade the silky mixture over bread cubes, ensuring complete and even saturation.
- Seal the dish with plastic wrap and allow ingredients to meld and absorb flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours or preferably overnight.
- Craft a decadent crumble topping by combining flour, aromatic brown sugar, warming cinnamon, and a hint of salt.
- Incorporate cold butter into the dry ingredients, using fingertips or a pastry cutter to create a textured, coarse mixture.
- Transfer the crumbly topping into a sealed container and refrigerate alongside the bread base.
- When preparation time arrives, preheat the oven to a moderate 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment.
- Remove the casserole from refrigeration and generously distribute the prepared crumble across the saturated bread surface.
- Bake uncovered, allowing the casserole to transform into a golden, puffy masterpiece, typically requiring 45-60 minutes depending on desired texture.
- Let the casserole rest briefly after baking to set and enhance flavor integration before serving.
Notes
- Overnight Soak Enhances Flavor: Let the bread cubes absorb the creamy egg mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop rich, deep flavors and create a custardy texture.
- Prepare Ahead for Stress-Free Mornings: Assemble the casserole the night before, allowing you to simply pop it in the oven for a delicious breakfast with minimal morning effort.
- Customize Your Topping Crumble: Mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to create a crunchy, sweet streusel that adds delightful texture and warmth to the dish.
- Baking Time Impacts Texture: Adjust baking time between 45-60 minutes depending on your preference for a softer or more set casserole.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast or brunch centerpiece.
- Storage and Reheating Tip: Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain the casserole’s crispy top and creamy interior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg