French toast casserole is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish, combining the flavors of French toast with the convenience of a bake.

This recipe allows you to prepare a hearty, delicious breakfast that feeds a crowd without the hassle of making individual slices.

Why Make This Recipe

Making a French toast casserole is perfect for gatherings or holiday brunches since it can be prepared ahead of time and baked when you’re ready. It combines the comforting tastes of custard-soaked bread with a luscious crumble topping, all while being easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

How To Make French Toast Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the baking dish
• 1 (1-pound) loaf unsliced sourdough, Italian, or French bread (not baguette)
• 8 large eggs
• 3 cups half-and-half, or 1 1/2 cups each whole milk and heavy cream
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, divided
• 2 ounces chopped nuts (about 1/2 cup), such as pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Maple syrup or powdered sugar, for serving
• Fresh berries, for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch or other 3-quart baking dish with unsalted butter.
2. Tear the loaf of unsliced bread into bite-size (1- to 2-inch) chunks. Arrange the bread in an even layer in the baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, 1/2 cup of the packed light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the ground nutmeg until combined.
4. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, then press the bread down slightly into the custard. Cover the baking dish and refrigerate overnight or for up to 24 hours. If you’d like to bake right away, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 1 hour to absorb the custard.
5. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss together the chopped nuts, all-purpose flour, remaining 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, remaining 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
6. Add the room-temperature unsalted butter and mix until clumpy; refrigerate until ready to bake.
7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Uncover the casserole and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven heats.
8. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until puffed, golden-brown, and set. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with maple syrup or powdered sugar, and fresh berries if desired.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook, making a total of 65 minutes. It serves 8 people, and each serving has approximately 450 calories, 10g protein, and 20g fat.

How To Serve French Toast Casserole

Serve the casserole warm, drizzled with maple syrup or sprinkled with powdered sugar. You can also add fresh berries or whipped cream on the side for an extra special touch.

How To Store French Toast Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Tips To Make French Toast Casserole

• For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of orange or almond extract to the egg mixture.
• You can include additional toppings like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
• If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of brown sugar in the custard.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This recipe is rich in protein due to the eggs and offers healthy fats from the nuts. Using whole milk or half-and-half provides calcium and vitamin D, contributing to bone health. It also gives you the joy of a hot, satisfying breakfast that feels indulgent but can be made with wholesome ingredients.

Variation

You can easily customize this casserole by changing the type of bread used, adding fruits like bananas or apples, or making it nut-free by omitting the nuts or substituting with seeds.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole the night before?
   Yes, you can prepare it and refrigerate overnight before baking.

   
   

2. What type of bread is best for French toast casserole?
   Sourdough, Italian, or French bread works best; avoid using baguettes.

   
   

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   You can use gluten-free bread and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.

   
   

4. How do I know when it’s done baking?
   It should be puffed, golden-brown, and set in the center.

   
   

5. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.

   
   

6. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
   Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly.

   
   

7. What toppings can I use besides syrup and powdered sugar?
   Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or yogurt also make fantastic toppings.

   
   

Enjoy your delicious and comforting French toast casserole!