Description

This Baked French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish perfect for serving a crowd. Cubes of French bread are soaked overnight in a rich custard mixture of eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon before being baked to golden perfection. The result is a creamy, custardy center with a lightly crisp top, served best warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 loaf of French bread, cubed
6 large eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Serving

1/2 cup maple syrup (for serving)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Mix custard base: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Combine bread and custard: Add the cubed French bread to the egg mixture and gently fold the bread until all pieces are evenly coated with the custard.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Chill before baking: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to let the bread fully absorb the custard, which improves texture and flavor.
Bake the casserole: Remove from the fridge and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then serve warm with maple syrup drizzled generously on top for added sweetness and moisture.

Notes

For best results, allow the casserole to soak overnight so the bread absorbs the custard thoroughly.
You can use day-old French bread or stale bread for a better texture that absorbs liquids without getting mushy.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest in the custard mixture for an extra flavor twist.
This casserole can be prepared in advance and baked in the morning for a hassle-free brunch.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.