Baked French Toast Casserole

An easy-to-make recipe but deliciously good!

Craving Classic French Toast with a Twist? Try This Easy Baked Casserole!

We all love classic French toast, but who has time to stand over the stove flipping slices on a busy morning? This baked French toast casserole is your secret weapon for a delicious, effortless breakfast or brunch. Simple Prep, Big Impact: The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Just layer bread in a baking dish, whisk together a creamy egg mixture, and let it soak (overnight or for a few hours) for maximum flavor. This make-ahead option is perfect for special occasions or feeding a crowd – no more scrambling at the last minute! Elevating the Classics: This casserole takes the familiar flavors of French toast – fluffy bread, warm vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon – and transforms them into a decadent baked treat. The casserole often features a crispy crumb topping made with a touch of flour, sugar, and butter, adding a delightful textural contrast.

Serving Up Perfection: This casserole is best served warm once golden brown and baked to perfection. Let your guests customize their plates with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scattering of fresh fruit. This recipe is sure to become a new brunch favorite – so ditch the stovetop and embrace the ease and elegance of a baked French toast casserole!

Recipe Video:

Here's a recipe for a baked French toast casserole:

Ingredients:

• 2 pcs. eggs
• 1/2 tbsp. brown sugar
• pinch sea salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon powder
• 6 slices bread
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon powder
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter

for dusting:

• icing sugar

Procedure:

1. In a medium baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. In the same dish, tear the slices of bread to bite-size using your hands.
3. Press down to help soak up the egg mixture.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well.
6. Sprinkle evenly on top of the bread.
7. Add the cold butter pieces on top of the casserole.
8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust it with icing sugar or serve warm with maple syrup.

Alternative Bread for Baked French Toast Casserole:

While French bread is the traditional choice for a baked French toast casserole, there are several alternative bread options you can use to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences. Here are a few alternatives:

• Brioche: Brioche bread is rich and buttery, making it an excellent choice for a decadent and flavorful French toast casserole.
• Challah: Challah is a slightly sweet and eggy Jewish bread that works well in a baked French toast casserole. Its soft texture and slightly denser structure make it ideal for absorbing the custard mixture.
• Cinnamon Raisin Bread: If you prefer a sweeter and more aromatic version, try using cinnamon raisin bread. The cinnamon and raisins add extra flavor and texture to the casserole.
• Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat bread instead of white bread. It will provide a heartier and nuttier flavor to the casserole.
• Gluten-Free Bread: If you're following a gluten-free diet, there are various gluten-free bread options available that can be used for a baked French toast casserole. Look for gluten-free bread made from rice flour, almond flour, or a blend of gluten-free grains.
• When selecting an alternative bread, choose a loaf that is slightly stale or day-old. It will absorb the custard mixture better without becoming too mushy. Regardless of the bread you choose, the process and baking instructions for the casserole will remain the same as mentioned in the previous recipe. Enjoy experimenting with different bread options to create a delicious baked French toast casserole!

Alternative for eggs?

If you're looking for an alternative to eggs for French toast recipes, there are a few options you can try depending on your dietary preferences and needs. Here are some popular egg substitutes for French toast:

1. Banana: Mashed ripe bananas work well as an egg substitute due to their binding properties. Use about 1/4 cup of mashed banana per egg in the recipe. The resulting French toast will have a subtle banana flavor.
2. Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce can be used as an egg substitute in French toast. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg. Keep in mind that applesauce may make the French toast slightly denser.
3. Silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended until smooth and used as an egg substitute in a 1/4 cup to 1 egg ratio. It helps to add moisture and bind the ingredients together.
4. Yogurt: Plain dairy or non-dairy yogurt can be used as an egg substitute in French toast. Use 1/4 cup of yogurt per egg in the recipe. Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt are good options.
5. Plant-based milk: If you're looking for a simpler alternative, you can use your favorite plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, instead of eggs. Soak the bread in the milk and any additional flavors and spices you like.

Remember that using an egg substitute may result in a slightly different texture and flavor compared to traditional French toast, but it can still be delicious and suitable for your dietary preferences. Experimenting with these alternatives can be a fun way to customize your French toast to your liking.

To keep leftover baked French toast casserole, follow these steps:

• Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure that the covering is airtight to maintain freshness.
• Place the covered casserole in the refrigerator. The casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• When ready to reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the casserole.

You have two options for reheating the casserole:

• To reheat the entire casserole, place the uncovered baking dish in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• To reheat individual servings, slice the casserole into portions and place them on a baking sheet. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated to your desired temperature.

Once reheated, serve the baked French toast casserole warm. You can add additional toppings, such as maple syrup or powdered sugar if desired.

Remember, reheated baked French toast casserole may not be as crispy as when it was fresh, but it will still be delicious and enjoyable.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your baked French toast casserole turns out delicious and perfect:

1. Choose the right bread: Use sturdy and slightly stale bread like French bread, brioche, challah, or cinnamon raisin bread. The slightly older bread will absorb the custard mixture better without becoming too soggy.
2. Prepare the casserole in advance: To save time in the morning, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, enhancing the flavors.
3. Use the right custard ratio: For a rich and creamy texture, use a proper ratio of eggs to milk. About 6 large eggs and 2 cups of milk for a 9x13-inch baking dish should work well. You can also add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
4. Flavor with spices and extracts: Enhance the taste of your casserole with a pinch of ground cinnamon, a splash of vanilla extract, or even a touch of nutmeg or almond extract. These flavors complement the dish wonderfully.
5. Don't forget the salt: A little pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the casserole, so don't skip it in the custard mixture.
6. Add toppings or mix-ins: Consider adding toppings or mix-ins like fresh berries, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips between the layers of bread for added texture and flavor.
7. Prepare a crumb topping: A crumb topping made from flour, brown sugar, and butter adds a delightful crispy and sweet layer to the casserole. Don't skip this step if you enjoy some crunch in your French toast.
8. Let it rest before serving: Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes slicing and serving easier.
9. Serve with your favorite toppings: Traditional maple syrup is a classic accompaniment, but feel free to get creative with toppings like powdered sugar, whipped cream, fruit compote, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.
10. Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes to prevent overcooking. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the bread slices, so check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center to see if it comes out clean.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create a mouthwatering baked French toast casserole that everyone will love. Enjoy your breakfast or brunch delight!