French Toast Casserole Recipe

Elevate your breakfast with this heavenly French Toast Casserole Egg Nog, where day-old bread meets a luxuriously spiced custard. Infused with a blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and rich creams, this dish transforms into an indulgent Xmas Morning French Toast Casserole, perfect for festive gatherings or weekend brunches delivering unmatched warmth.

I love making this French Toast Casserole because its eggy base with a slight cinnamon taste is both tasty and nutritious. I start with a loaf of day-old bread cut into about 10 cups of cubes.

I then whisk 8 large eggs together with 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream for a protein heavy mix that also provides calcium. I add 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract for a balanced sweetness along with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt which gives it that perfect hint of spice.

I finish it off with 2 tablespoons melted butter. This is one of my favorite recipes to prepare in advance especially when i am in the mood for a classic overnight eggnog French Toast Bake type treat or even a Xmas Morning French Toast Casserole style dish.

Enjoy and get ready for a hearty breakfast!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a few reasons. First of all, I love how you can make it ahead of time and it still turns out super tasty the next day. I mean, letting the bread soak overnight makes it really custardy and rich. Second, the mix of eggs, milk, cream, and sugars gives it this perfect sweet and cinnamon flavor that makes every bite comforting. Third, it’s really versatile with the toppings – whether I want to go for maple syrup, powdered sugar or fresh berries, it always feels like a treat. And lastly, the aroma while it bakes in the oven fills the whole house and makes me feel like I’m really doing something special.

Ingredients

• Day-old bread adds texture, gets all the liquids, and offers carbohydrates for energy.
• Eggs supply protein and help bind the ingredients; they give a rich, custardy feel.
• Whole milk makes it creamy and moist, providing essential fats and a nutritious kick.
• Heavy cream boosts richness and smoothness, making the flavors pop and liven up the dish.
• Granulated sugar makes it sweet and balanced without being too overpowering.
• Ground cinnamon brings a warm, spicy note that livens up every bite.
• Brown sugar adds a rich, mellow sweetness with hints of molasses for a deeper flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf day-old bread (about 10 cups bread cubes)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until its nicely combined.

3. Add the day-old bread cubes to the greased dish.

4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread so that every cube is well soaked.

5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors meld together.

6. Once pre-soaked, take the casserole out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for around 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and the custardy center is set.

8. Let it cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven so it firms up a bit.

9. Cut into squares using a sharp knife.

10. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheated oven set to 350°F
2. Greased 9×13 inch casserole dish
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Whisk for beating the eggs and liquids
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Plastic wrap to cover the dish
7. Sharp knife for cutting into squares

FAQ

French Toast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Day-old bread: You can use challah or brioche instead since they soak up the custard nicely and add an extra flavor kick.
• Whole milk: Try using almond milk or another non-dairy milk. It works fine although the taste might be a bit different.
• Heavy cream: If you want a lighter option, you can mix half-and-half with a bit more milk or even use full-fat coconut cream for a unique twist.
• Brown sugar: An equal amount of maple syrup or honey can be a neat substitute if you ran out or want a less processed option.

Pro Tips

1. If you can, plan ahead to let the bread soak overnight in the fridge. It really helps lock in all the flavors and makes sure every bite is nice and custardy, instead of dry or mushy.
2. Try using a kitchen thermometer for your oven. A lot of times ovens run a little off, and keeping an eye on the temperature can save your dish from ending up undercooked or overly browned.
3. Be sure your bread is day-old; fresher bread can become too soggy quickly. Using slightly stale bread gives it a more firm texture after baking.
4. Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings after baking. A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a handful of fresh berries can really enhance the dish.