Description
This Easy French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish that transforms day-old bread into a custardy, baked delight topped with a sweet, buttery crumble. Perfect for a family brunch or holiday breakfast, it combines simple ingredients like eggs, milk, cinnamon, and brown sugar, baked to golden perfection in one casserole dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old French bread, cubed (about 10 cups) (sourdough or brioche work great too)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (can substitute with milk)
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, slightly melted
Instructions
- Prep and Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Evenly layer the cubed bread in the dish, forming about two layers to ensure even soaking.
- Whisk Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, 1/2 cup brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently toss or press the bread to make sure all pieces are well-coated. Let it sit briefly to absorb the liquid.
- Make Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine the flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Add the slightly melted butter and mix using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the custard is fully set. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven, slice, and serve warm. Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
- You can substitute heavy cream with more milk for a lighter version.
- Covering the casserole with foil halfway through baking can prevent over-browning of the topping.
- Feel free to add fresh berries or nuts for added texture and flavor.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated to bake fresh in the morning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
