Description
This French Toast Bake is a delicious and effortless make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring cubed sourdough or French bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, and cream, topped with a crumbly cinnamon sugar streusel. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, it’s an ideal dish for family brunches or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf sourdough or French bread
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan and Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking. Cut the loaf of sourdough or French bread into cubes and evenly distribute them in the prepared pan.
- Make the Custard: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for several hours or preferably overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold, small pieces of butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine pebbles or coarse crumbs. Optionally, add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. Store the topping mixture chilled in a Ziploc bag or container in the fridge until ready to use.
- Preheat Oven and Assemble: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the soaking bread casserole from the fridge and evenly sprinkle the chilled crumb topping over the surface.
- Bake the French Toast Casserole: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes if you prefer a softer, custardy, bread pudding-like texture. For a firmer, more set casserole, bake for 1 hour or longer until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Serve: Once baked, scoop out individual portions. For best flavor, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup before serving. Enjoy a comforting and indulgent breakfast treat!
Notes
- Serves 6 to 8 depending on portion size.
- For best results, soak the bread overnight to allow full custard absorption.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the topping for added warmth and flavor (optional).
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead for convenient morning serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
