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To make this Easy French Toast Casserole, you will need: - 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into bite-sized cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups milk (whole or almond for a dairy-free option) - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Pinch of salt - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for added crunch) - Powdered sugar for a light dusting (optional) - Assorted fresh berries for garnish (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) You can easily adjust this recipe. If you want a dairy-free version, use almond milk instead of whole milk. You can also swap heavy cream for coconut cream. For a nut-free option, skip the nuts altogether. You can also use sunflower seeds if you want some crunch without nuts. If you don't have brioche or challah, use any soft bread like white bread or French bread. For the eggs, you can use flax eggs for a vegan version. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. If you want a sweeter taste, add more maple syrup or use honey. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This step keeps the casserole from sticking. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, and ½ cup of heavy cream. 4. Add ½ cup of pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth. 5. Cut 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread into bite-sized cubes. 6. Gently fold the bread cubes into the egg mixture. Make sure each piece is coated well. 7. If you want some crunch, add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts and fold them in too. 1. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly. 2. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps the bread soak up the liquid. 3. Before baking, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and firm in the center. 5. Use a toothpick to check if it's done; it should come out clean. 1. Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. 2. Slice it into squares for serving. 3. Dust each portion lightly with powdered sugar. 4. Top with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for color and taste. To get the best texture, use soft bread like brioche or challah. Cut it into small cubes. This helps it soak up the egg mix. Mix the bread gently with the egg mixture. Make sure every piece is coated well. This way, the casserole will bake evenly. To add crunch, sprinkle in nuts like pecans or walnuts. They give a nice texture contrast. If you want to prep ahead, cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it overnight. This helps the bread soak up the custard fully. Remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking. This step warms it slightly. A warmer dish bakes more evenly. Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing easier. Dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Serve each piece with fresh berries on top. They add color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious creation with family and friends! Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use slightly stale brioche or challah bread. Day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture better, resulting in a creamier casserole. Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like orange zest, nutmeg, or even chocolate chips to the custard mixture for a delicious twist. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and let it soak in the refrigerator overnight. This saves time in the morning and enhances the flavors! Serve with Toppings: Elevate your French toast casserole by serving it with a variety of toppings such as whipped cream, yogurt, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. {{image_4}} You can play with flavors in this dish. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet touch. You can also use ripe bananas for a fruity twist. Another option is to mix in apples and cinnamon for a cozy feel. Each choice brings a new taste. Don't be afraid to get creative! Toppings can make your casserole even better. Fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds bright flavors. Nuts like pecans or walnuts give a nice crunch. You can drizzle maple syrup on top for added sweetness. For a fun finish, sprinkle powdered sugar for a lovely look. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. This keeps the taste while meeting your needs. For a vegan version, swap eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. These changes make the dish suitable for everyone. Enjoy the same great taste with these simple swaps! After you cook your Easy French Toast Casserole, let it cool. Cover it well with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you have leftovers, this method helps to keep the flavors strong. You can freeze this dish, too! Cut it into squares first. Wrap each piece well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the bag with the date. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If using the microwave, place a square on a plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot. Enjoy your warm, tasty breakfast! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead! I love prepping it the night before. Just follow the steps until you cover it with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge overnight. This gives the bread time to soak up the egg mixture. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes. This helps it bake evenly and rise nicely. I recommend using brioche or challah bread. These breads are soft and sweet. They soak up the egg mixture well. If you like, you can also use other types of bread. Just make sure it is thick and sturdy. Avoid thin bread since it can fall apart when soaking. To check if your casserole is done, look for a golden brown top. The center should feel firm when you touch it. You can also use a toothpick. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready. Bake it for about 40-45 minutes to get the best results. This post covered the key aspects of making a tasty casserole. We explored ingredients, preparation steps, and baking instructions. I shared tips to help you get the perfect texture and serve it well. We also looked at fun variations and storage options. In closing, I hope you feel ready to make your own delicious casserole. Simple steps and great ingredients lead to a meal everyone will enjoy. Happy baking!

Heavenly French Toast Casserole

A delicious and easy-to-make French toast casserole that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk (whole or almond for a dairy-free option)
  • 1 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for added crunch)
  • to taste powdered sugar for a light dusting (optional)
  • to taste assorted fresh berries for garnish (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
  • Gently fold the bread cubes into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. If you're adding nuts, sprinkle them in at this stage and fold gently to combine.
  • Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading the bread cubes evenly for uniform baking.
  • Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or refrigerate overnight for optimal absorption of the custard.
  • Before baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to bring it to a slightly warmer temperature.
  • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the center is firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
  • After baking, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.
  • Serve warm, giving each portion a light dusting of powdered sugar and a generous topping of fresh berries for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate overnight for optimal absorption.
Keyword breakfast, brunch, casserole, French toast