Prepare this rich, custardy French Toast Casserole the night before for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing breakfast bake perfect for weekend brunch or holidays.
Author:sarahthompson
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:50 min
Total Time:1 hr 10 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread (brioche or challah recommended), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
12 large eggs
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is moistened. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the plastic wrap from the casserole.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and the center is set (no liquid remains when lightly touched).
Let the baked French Toast Casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm with maple syrup.
Notes
Using day-old bread prevents the casserole from becoming too soggy during the overnight soak.
For an extra decadent dish, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
If you need to bake this immediately, let the assembled casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.