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- 1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs, beaten - 2 cups of milk (choose whole or almond based on your preference) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar, adjust to taste - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional for added crunch) - 1/2 cup maple syrup, plus extra for drizzling when serving - Powdered sugar for a dusting (optional for a sweet finish) Brioche bread is soft and fluffy. It holds the egg mixture well. You can use other breads, but brioche gives the best taste. Eggs create a rich custard, making each bite creamy. Milk adds moisture and flavor. You can use whole milk for richness or almond milk for a dairy-free option. Sweeteners and flavorings are key. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Vanilla extract gives a warm, sweet aroma. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy spice. You can adjust the sugar level based on your taste. Optional add-ins like chopped pecans give a nice crunch. You can also add fruits like berries or bananas for extra flavor. Maple syrup is perfect for drizzling on top when serving. It makes each bite even sweeter. Having all these ingredients ready makes cooking easier. Gather them before you start for a smooth process. This way, you can enjoy making your baked French toast casserole! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms up, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent the casserole from sticking. In a big mixing bowl, whisk together six beaten eggs and two cups of milk. You can use whole or almond milk based on what you like. Add in half a cup of granulated sugar, one tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. Make sure everything blends well. You want a smooth mixture with no lumps. Take your loaf of brioche bread and cut it into one-inch cubes. Evenly spread these cubes throughout the greased baking dish. Next, slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Make sure to cover all the bread. Use a spatula to press the bread down gently. This helps it soak up the egg mixture well. Letting the dish rest is very important. Cover it with aluminum foil and place it in the fridge. You can let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For a richer taste, leave it overnight. This soaking time makes the bread soft and tasty. When you are ready to bake, uncover the dish and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The top should turn a lovely golden brown. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your casserole is ready. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set up a bit. To get the right texture, use fresh brioche bread. Stale bread works too, but it needs more soak time. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. This size lets the bread soak well without falling apart. If you want to switch things up, try different milk. Almond milk adds a nutty taste. You can also use oat milk for a creamy option. Adjust the sugar based on your taste. You may want less if you add sweet toppings later. For a beautiful presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar after baking. This adds a lovely touch. Serve the casserole warm on a big plate. Drizzle extra maple syrup on top for sweetness. You can also add fresh berries or mint leaves for color. These garnishes not only look good but taste great too. One common mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on the baking time. If you bake too long, the casserole gets dry. Another mistake is not letting it soak long enough. A good soak time is key for flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for rich taste. This helps the bread absorb the egg mixture fully. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: For the best texture, use bread that is a day or two old. It absorbs the custard mixture better, resulting in a creamier casserole. Chill Overnight: Allowing the casserole to soak in the refrigerator overnight enhances the flavors and ensures the bread is perfectly saturated. Add a Crunch: Incorporate nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. You can also top with a streusel for added texture. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the spice mix or add ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruits to personalize your casserole. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your baked French toast casserole. Adding fruits like berries or bananas gives a fresh twist. Simply layer them between the bread cubes or mix them into the egg mixture. You can also try incorporating chocolate or caramel. A sprinkle of chocolate chips or a drizzle of caramel sauce will delight kids and adults alike. If you need gluten-free options, swap the brioche bread for a gluten-free bread. Make sure to check the label to ensure it works for your needs. For dairy-free adjustments, use almond milk or any plant-based milk you prefer. You can also replace eggs with a mixture of flaxseed and water. This works well and keeps the dish tasty. You can serve baked French toast casserole in different ways. For individual servings, scoop the casserole into small dishes. This makes each serving special and easy to enjoy. For a family-style option, keep it in the baking dish. You can place it in the center of the table, and everyone can help themselves. This dish works great for breakfast or dessert. Add a side of whipped cream or yogurt for a fun twist! To keep your baked French toast casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and other smells out. You can also cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The casserole stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to let it cool down before you store it. To freeze your casserole, slice it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This keeps your casserole fresh and prevents freezer burn. Your casserole can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to eat it, remove it from the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This warms it through and keeps it tender. Enjoy your delicious breakfast! You will see a golden brown top. The edges may puff up slightly. A toothpick test works well. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the toothpick is wet, bake a few more minutes. Yes, you can soak it overnight. Soaking lets the bread absorb the egg mixture. This makes it rich and tasty. It also saves time in the morning. Just cover it well and chill it in the fridge. To reheat, use the oven for the best texture. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the casserole warm and soft. You can also microwave it, but it may get soggy. Add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor. Absolutely! You can use challah, sourdough, or whole wheat. Each type adds a unique taste and texture. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale for the best results. Fresh bread can become too mushy. This blog post covered how to make a delicious bread casserole. We discussed ingredients like brioche, eggs, and possible sweeteners. I detailed the baking steps, from mixing to refrigeration. Tips helped avoid common mistakes, like overbaking. Variations included dietary changes and unique flavors. Remember, a great casserole needs patience and care, especially in soaking. With a little practice, you can impress anyone with your dish. Enjoy experimenting and sharing your creations!

Baked French Toast Casserole

A delicious and easy-to-make baked French toast casserole, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 2 cup granulated sugar, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 2 cup maple syrup, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming, generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/2 cup of maple syrup. Mix until the mixture is completely smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
  • Take your cubed brioche bread and evenly distribute it throughout the greased baking dish. Gradually pour the prepared egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to cover as much of the bread as possible. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid fully.
  • If you decide to enhance the flavor and texture, evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the bread mixture.
  • Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes, or for an overnight soak if you prefer a richer flavor.
  • When ready to bake, uncover the dish and position it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked.
  • Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes so it firms up slightly. If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Slice and serve warm, drizzling additional maple syrup over individual servings for that sweet touch.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve individual portions on plates, and garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves alongside the maple syrup.
Keyword breakfast, brioche, casserole, French toast