Elevate your breakfast or brunch with this truly remarkable Baked French Toast Casserole. Far from your average morning meal, this is an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dish featuring thick slices of golden French bread, generously soaked in a rich, creamy custard infused with fragrant eggs and warming spices. But the magic doesn’t stop there; it’s all crowned with a irresistible brown sugar streusel topping that bakes to a perfect golden crispness. We guarantee the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting from your oven will be enough to stir even the sleepiest heads and lure everyone to the kitchen at the first crack of dawn for their next weekend breakfast.
There’s something uniquely comforting and exciting about a casserole, especially when it’s sweet and destined for breakfast. This recipe transforms classic French toast into an effortless baked dish, perfect for feeding a gathering without the hassle of standing over a griddle. The decadent combination of heavy cream and eggs creates an incredibly rich custard, while the sweet, cinnamon-spiced streusel adds a delightful textural contrast that truly sets this recipe apart. It’s a breakfast experience that will fill your home with a welcoming aroma and your family with happy smiles.
This easy French Toast Bake isn’t just for weekends; it’s an ideal choice for a variety of special occasions. Imagine serving it as a cozy Christmas morning breakfast, a delightful centerpiece for a lively weekend brunch, or a heartwarming dish for a family get-together. It’s also an absolutely perfect way to show appreciation to mom on Mother’s Day, offering a homemade treat that feels both special and lovingly prepared. Its make-ahead convenience makes it a stress-free option for entertaining.
Serve generous slices of this incredible casserole warm, alongside a medley of fresh berries or your favorite seasonal fruits. A drizzle of pure maple syrup or golden honey adds the perfect finishing touch, and you’ll undoubtedly find everyone eagerly asking for second helpings. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of juice.
If you’re eager to explore more delightful breakfast casseroles that simplify your mornings, be sure to try our Reuben Breakfast Casserole With Crescent Rolls, the savory Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Bake, or these hearty Brunch Enchiladas With Ham. Each offers a unique flavor profile and the same easy-to-serve casserole convenience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Baked French Toast Casserole
Crafting the perfect Baked French Toast Casserole starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that rich flavor and delightful texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
For the French Toast Base:
French Bread: The foundation of our casserole. I opted for one loaf, cut into generous 2-inch chunks, which provides a substantial bite and holds up beautifully to the rich custard. While French bread is excellent, feel free to experiment with other varieties like a crusty baguette, a soft brioche bread, or even challah for an extra rich flavor. The key is to use day-old or slightly stale bread, as it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
Heavy Cream: This is where much of the casserole’s luxurious richness comes from. Heavy cream infuses the French toast with an unparalleled depth of flavor and a silky texture. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option without sacrificing too much richness, half and half can be used as a suitable substitute.
Whole Milk: Complementing the heavy cream, whole milk further enhances the richness of our custard. While whole milk is preferred for its full-bodied taste, low-fat or skim milk will also work if you’re aiming for a lighter version. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk or soy milk can be incorporated, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.
Eggs: The quintessential binding agent for any French toast recipe! Eggs create the classic custard base, ensuring a tender, cohesive texture. Any large eggs will work perfectly for this recipe, providing the necessary structure and richness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of real vanilla extract is crucial for elevating the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic sweetness. Always opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste, as artificial versions can sometimes impart a less authentic flavor.
Warming Spices: A harmonious blend of cinnamon and nutmeg creates that comforting, inviting aroma and flavor. These spices are central to the classic French toast experience, offering warmth and a subtle complexity that enhances the sweetness.
For the Irresistible Streusel Topping:
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of our crumb topping, giving it a delightful texture.
Brown Sugar: Essential for the streusel, brown sugar not only provides a deeper, more molasses-like sweetness but also contributes to the topping’s golden-brown color and slightly chewy texture. It’s truly superior to white sugar for this application, so avoid substituting if possible.
Butter: Whether salted or unsalted, butter binds the streusel ingredients together, creating those characteristic coarse crumbs. Ensure your butter is cold and cut into small pieces when preparing the topping; this helps achieve the perfect crumbly consistency that bakes up wonderfully crisp.
Spices: Just like in the French toast base, a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg in this crumb topping amplifies the warming flavors and complements the sweetness beautifully, ensuring a cohesive taste experience throughout the dish.
Simple Steps to Make This Amazing French Toast Casserole
Preparing this Baked French Toast Casserole is surprisingly straightforward, especially with its convenient make-ahead design. Follow these steps for a perfect outcome every time:
Step One: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread. Begin by lightly spraying a large baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange your prepared French bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Ensure the bread pieces are relatively uniform in size for consistent soaking and baking.
Step Two: Whisk Together the Rich Custard. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, both light brown sugar and granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This ensures a uniform flavor in every bite of your French toast.
Step Three: Soak the Bread to Perfection. Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down to ensure all pieces are submerged and have a chance to absorb the delicious custard. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Now, here’s the key to truly tender, flavorful French toast: allow the oven French Toast Bake to stand and soak in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or ideally, overnight. This extended soak time prevents sogginess and ensures every piece of bread is infused with flavor.
To Make the Delectable Streusel Topping:
Step Four: Create the Crumbly Topping. In a separate bowl, combine all the topping ingredients: all-purpose flour, packed light brown sugar, cold butter (cut into small pieces), cinnamon, and nutmeg. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the ingredients together until coarse, crumb-like pieces form. For even faster preparation, you can also pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the desired texture is achieved.
Step Five: Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection. Once the bread has had its soaking time, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the entire surface of the casserole dish, covering the bread cubes. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the French toast is set and cooked through.
Step Six: Serve Warm and Enjoy! Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Present the warm French toast casserole with an extra drizzle of honey or a generous pour of pure maple syrup. For an added touch of decadence, consider a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Any delightful leftovers you might have will keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, this casserole freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Baked French Toast
How do you ensure French toast isn’t soggy? The key to avoiding soggy French toast lies in your bread and soaking technique. Use thick-sliced, day-old, or slightly stale bread. Fresh, soft bread tends to absorb too much liquid too quickly. Additionally, while you want the bread fully saturated, don’t let it sit in the custard for excessively long periods beyond the recommended two hours or overnight, as this can lead to mushiness.
What makes French toast crisp? For a crispier finish, ensure your bread isn’t overly saturated with the egg and milk mixture. When arranging the bread in the casserole dish, give it a little space rather than crowding it, allowing air to circulate during baking. For traditional French toast, lightly toasting the bread before dipping can help, and never let it sit too long in the custard. Our streusel topping also adds a fantastic crisp texture to this baked version.
Should I use butter or oil for French toast? For pan-fried French toast, butter will undoubtedly impart a richer, more flavorful crust and a beautiful golden color. However, butter can burn easily. Many chefs opt for a combination of butter and a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) to get the best of both worlds: flavor from the butter and a higher smoke point from the oil. In a baked casserole, butter is primarily used in the streusel topping for flavor and texture, while the casserole dish is typically greased with non-stick spray.
How can I prevent my French toast casserole from being soggy after baking? Beyond using slightly stale, thick bread, one crucial step is to avoid covering the casserole immediately after it comes out of the oven. The trapped steam can reintroduce moisture and make the top soggy. Let it cool uncovered for a few minutes. Also, ensure your oven is at the correct temperature and bakes for the full recommended time to properly set the custard.
Why did my French toast casserole turn out soggy? A soggy casserole usually stems from a few common issues: using bread that is too fresh or soft, slicing the bread too thinly, or adding an excessive amount of milk and egg mixture relative to the bread volume. The bread needs to absorb the custard fully, but not become oversaturated, allowing it to cook through evenly.
Can I prepare this French Toast Bake ahead of time? Absolutely! This recipe is ideal for make-ahead convenience. You can assemble the entire casserole (bread and custard) the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just before baking, sprinkle on the streusel topping. This allows the bread ample time to soak and makes for a super easy morning!
Delicious Substitutions & Customizations
One of the joys of this Baked French Toast recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these simple substitutions to tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand:
Change the Bread: While French bread is a classic, don’t hesitate to try other varieties in this French Toast Breakfast Bake recipe. Whole wheat bread offers a heartier texture, egg bread (like challah or brioche) adds extra richness, and sourdough bread provides a subtle tang. Even regular sandwich bread can work if it’s thick-sliced and a day old.
For an Indulgent Twist: For an exceptionally luxurious breakfast, replace the bread cubes with halved or quartered croissants. The buttery, flaky layers of croissants absorb the custard beautifully, creating an incredibly rich and decadent French toast bake.
Cream Alternatives: If heavy cream is too rich or unavailable, you can confidently use half and half in its place. It will still provide a creamy texture and wonderful flavor, albeit slightly lighter.
Spice It Up: Don’t feel limited to just cinnamon and nutmeg. Modify the spices to your preference. You could use all cinnamon or all nutmeg for a more focused flavor. For an even warmer, more complex profile, consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or a dash of allspice to the custard or streusel topping.
Sweetener Swaps: While brown sugar is highly recommended for the streusel, you could use a mix of granulated sugar and a touch of molasses in a pinch to mimic its flavor. For the custard, maple syrup or honey could replace some of the granulated sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best French Toast Bake
Achieving a perfect French Toast Bake is easier than you think with these helpful tips and tricks:
Uniform Bread Chunks: Cut your bread into consistent, same-sized chunks. This ensures that each piece absorbs the custard evenly and bakes through uniformly, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
Smart Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer preservation, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For ultimate convenience, freeze individual portions; this way, you can easily grab a single serving for a quick, delicious breakfast anytime.
Embrace Stale Bread: This easy French toast casserole recipe is truly the perfect way to utilize stale bread. Don’t throw away that slightly hardened loaf! It’s actually preferred over fresh bread because it holds its shape better and soaks up the custard more effectively without becoming mushy.
Rescue Soft Bread: If your bread is too fresh and soft, but you want to use it, simply cut it into cubes and spread it in a single layer on a baking pan. Let it sit out at room temperature for a few hours, or even overnight, to dry out slightly. This minor step makes a big difference in the final texture of your casserole.
Elevate Your Toppings: Beyond syrup, enhance the experience by topping the warm casserole with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A homemade fruit compote (like berry or apple cinnamon) also makes an exquisite addition.
Layer in Fresh Fruit: For an extra burst of flavor and color, consider layering some fresh fruit in with your bread cubes before pouring the custard. Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries would work exceptionally well, adding a delightful tartness that complements the sweet French toast.
More Irresistible Brunch Recipes to Love
Love brunch? Us, too! It’s truly a fantastic way to gather friends and family for a leisurely meal together, offering the best of both breakfast and lunch. Plus, many brunch recipes are easily made ahead, which means less stress on the day, and typically—let’s be honest—there are mimosas involved! *wink*
Here are some more great brunch recipe ideas that are sure to become new favorites:
- Brunch Enchiladas with Ham: A savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a crowd.
- Banana Bread Pancakes: All the comforting flavor of banana bread, in pancake form!
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake: Moist, tender, and topped with a delightful crumb, ideal for sharing.
- Baked Banana Fritters: A healthier take on a classic, these fritters are sweet and delicious.
- Bacon & Swiss Quiche: A rich and savory tart that’s endlessly customizable.
- Blueberry Toaster Strudel: A nostalgic treat, made fresh and flaky at home.
- Tomato Pie: A rustic and flavorful savory pie, perfect for late summer brunches.
- Pączki(Polish Donuts): Indulge in these traditional, rich, and pillowy donuts.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect Baked French Toast Casserole to impress at your next weekend morning meal or holiday gathering, look no further. This recipe, crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients and featuring a tantalizing streusel topping, is guaranteed to be a big hit with everyone. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food for breakfast or brunch, making every bite feel like a special occasion.
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Print Recipe
Baked French Toast with Streusel Topping
Equipment
- Pyrex 3 Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set, Includes 1-Cup, 2-Cup, and 4-Cup
- Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Cups Set (6 Piece Set)
- Magnetic Measuring Spoons Set of 6 Stainless Steel Dual Sided Stackable Teaspoon for Measuring Dry and Liquid Ingredients
- Glass Batter Bowl
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
- Whisks for Cooking, 3 Pack Stainless Steel Whisk
Ingredients
- For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of French bread cut into cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 8 eggs
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- For the topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter cut into small pieces
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Spray a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and add the bread cubes to the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until fully combined.
- Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to stand for at least two hours, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, add all the streusel ingredients and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine them until coarse crumbs form.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the bread cubes and bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 50 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Serve warm with extra honey or pure maple syrup, and your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition