Irresistible French Toast Casserole for Cozy Mornings

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of maple syrup mingling with warm cinnamon wafting through your home. That’s the magic of French Toast Casserole, a dish that transforms your breakfast into an indulgent affair, perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or festive brunches with friends. Each bite is a fluffy delight, layered with rich flavors that playfully dance on your taste buds. For more inspiration, check out this breakfast recipe ideas recipe.

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This casserole is not just a breakfast; it’s a heartwarming memory waiting to happen. Picture gathering around the table, sharing laughter and stories while digging into this golden-brown masterpiece. Whether you whip it up for a holiday gathering or simply because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something special, this dish promises to elevate any occasion with its delicious charm.

I still remember the first time I made this French Toast Casserole; my kids’ eyes lit up like Christmas morning when they saw it bubbling away in the oven.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bread: Stale or day-old bread works best for soaking up all that eggy goodness without falling apart.

• Eggs: Fresh large eggs create a rich custard base that binds everything together beautifully.

• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; however, feel free to use almond or oat milk for a lighter option.

• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth to each bite—don’t skimp on this fragrant spice!

• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavors; it’s like giving your casserole a sweet hug.

• Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup is key here; it elevates the sweetness without being overly sugary.

• Pecans or Walnuts (optional): Add these for some crunch if you’re feeling adventurous—textural contrast is always nice.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Prepare Your Bread: Cut your stale bread into cubes—this should be about 1-inch pieces. Place them in a greased baking dish, letting them fill every nook and cranny.

Create the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until well combined. This mixture should feel velvety as you whisk!

Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to soak up all that luscious liquid—you want every piece saturated.

Chill Before Baking: Cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight if possible. This resting period allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover from your casserole and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and puffed up like clouds of happiness.

Serve Warm with Toppings: Once baked, let it cool slightly before drizzling with more maple syrup or sprinkling powdered sugar on top for extra flair!

Enjoy every gooey bite of this delightful French Toast Casserole as it brings joy to your breakfast table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by whisking eggs, milk, and spices together while your bread soaks. Then layer the bread in a greased casserole dish to ensure even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out regular bread for brioche or challah for a richer taste. Add fruits like blueberries or bananas for a fruity twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warm.

I once made this French Toast Casserole for my family reunion, and I swear I could hear angels singing as they devoured it.

FAQ

Can I prepare French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.

What kind of bread is best for French Toast Casserole?

Brioche or challah works wonderfully, offering great texture and flavor.

How do I make French Toast Casserole gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free friendly.

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French Toast Casserole

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 12 1x

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Description

Start your day with a warm, gooey French Toast Casserole, blending rich maple syrup and aromatic cinnamon into every fluffy bite. Perfect for brunches or special occasions, this dish invites everyone to gather around the table for a heartwarming meal. With its easy preparation and endless topping variations, it’s sure to become a beloved family tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 cups stale bread, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup real maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cube stale bread and place in a greased baking dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth.
4. Pour custard mixture over bread cubes; gently press down to soak.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
6. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with additional maple syrup or powdered sugar.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: Use brioche or challah for richer flavor. Add fruits like blueberries or bananas for extra sweetness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat before serving.