Let me tell you, this easy baked French toast casserole is one of my absolute go-to recipes for breakfast or brunch! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and the best part? It’s so simple to whip up! I can’t count how many lazy Sunday mornings I’ve made this for family and friends, and it never fails to impress. Just imagine the sweet smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen as it bakes—wow! You can prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and savor the divine combination of fluffy bread soaked in a rich custard. Trust me, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual weekend brunch, this casserole is always a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table. Enjoying it with a drizzle of maple syrup makes it even more special!
Ingredients List
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes – The heart of this dish! Use a nice, crusty loaf for the best texture.
- 6 large eggs – These will create that delicious custard base that soaks into the bread.
- 2 cups whole milk – This adds creaminess; feel free to substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – A little sweetness to balance the richness of the eggs and milk.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – Trust me, this elevates the flavor beautifully!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The warm spice that makes everything feel cozy and comforting.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup melted butter – This gives that luscious, golden finish on top, adding richness and flavor.
- Maple syrup for serving – Don’t skimp on this! It’s the perfect finishing touch that ties it all together.
How to Prepare Instructions
Step-by-Step Preparation
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a nice, even bake!
- Next, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well with some butter or non-stick spray. This will help your casserole come out easily later on.
- Now, take your cubed French bread and spread it evenly in the greased dish. Make sure to pack it slightly for that perfect custardy texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is nicely combined. You want it to look creamy and smooth—no lumps allowed!
- Pour this heavenly egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets soaked. Give it a gentle stir if needed, but don’t overdo it!
- Drizzle the melted butter on top—oh, it’s going to make that crust so good!
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. This step is key for maximum flavor and texture!
- When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, uncover it and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set in the middle.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans!
- Perfect for Gatherings: With enough servings to feed a crowd, it’s an ideal dish for family get-togethers or holiday celebrations.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits like berries or bananas, or even add chocolate chips for a fun twist!
- Deliciously Comforting: The combination of warm, fluffy bread soaked in a sweet custard is pure comfort food that everyone loves.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, giving you more time to relax with your loved ones.
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything baked in one dish, you’ll spend less time washing up and more time enjoying your meal.
Tips for Success
- Prep Ahead: For the best results, I always recommend preparing the casserole the night before. It gives the bread plenty of time to soak up that delicious custard, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist!
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm through.
- Serving Suggestion: When serving, don’t hold back on the maple syrup! Drizzle it generously over the warm casserole for that sweet touch that truly elevates the dish. You can also serve it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a little extra flair.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like nutmeg for a unique twist. You can also swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a fun flavor change!
- Keep an Eye on Baking: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. You want it to be golden brown on top and set in the center—don’t hesitate to cover it with foil if it’s browning too quickly!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, I want to share some general nutritional information about this easy baked French toast casserole, but keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while these numbers give you a ballpark idea, they might not be exact!
Here’s what you can typically expect per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 6g
So, whether you’re counting calories or just enjoying a delicious meal, I hope this helps you keep track of what you’re indulging in! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this easy baked French toast casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers:
Can I use stale bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Stale bread is actually perfect for this casserole. It soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart, giving you that delightful texture.
What can I substitute for milk?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk works great! You can also use oat milk or coconut milk—just choose what suits your taste and dietary needs.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the French bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I add fruits to the mixture?
Yes! Adding fresh fruits like blueberries, sliced bananas, or diced apples is a fantastic idea. Just fold them in gently before pouring the custard over the bread.
How long can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked casserole before you pop it in the oven. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve it warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and don’t hesitate to top it with whipped cream or fresh berries for a lovely presentation!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions—I love helping fellow cooks enjoy this delightful dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftovers of this delicious easy baked French toast casserole? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy those amazing flavors all over again.
First off, make sure the casserole is completely cooled before you store it. Once it’s cool, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out in the fridge. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—though trust me, it rarely lasts that long!
When you’re ready to dig in again, you have a couple of options for reheating. If you prefer to use the oven (which I recommend for the best texture), preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. This way, the top will stay nice and soft while the insides get all warm and cozy again.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop a slice in the microwave. Just make sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from getting rubbery. Heat it in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed to your liking. Either way, you’ll be back to enjoying that sweet, custardy goodness in no time!
Print
Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious baked French toast casserole that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the bread cubes in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes.
- Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- Prepare the night before for easier morning prep.
- Can substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add fresh fruits like berries for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: easy baked french toast casserole recipe
