Classic French Toast Casserole
Classic French Toast Casserole
Classic French Toast Casserole combines challah bread cubes, eggs, milk in a creamy oven-baked dish with a warm, generous filling. It is a convenient centerpiece for a relaxed breakfast or brunch.
The key is to prepare the components before assembly, then bake just long enough to heat the center and finish the topping. The amounts below make approximately 8 servings. Oven times are a guide: the depth of the dish and whether the filling starts warm or chilled affect the final cooking time.
Recipe overview
- Servings: approximately 8
- Preparation: about 20–25 minutes, plus any separate cooking or thawing
- Oven temperature: 350°F
- Equipment: 9-by-13-inch baking dish, mixing bowl and skillet or saucepan
Ingredients
- Challah bread cubes — 8 cups
- Eggs — 6 large
- Milk — 1 1/2 cups
- Heavy cream — 1/2 cup
- Vanilla — 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon — 1/2 teaspoon
- Brown sugar — 1/3 cup
- Maple syrup — For serving
- Salt, to taste after adding sauces and cheese
Preparation notes
Measure everything before you start. Thaw frozen ingredients and drain canned ingredients as appropriate. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish so the finished portions lift out easily.
Directions
Prepare the components as described above before assembling the dish.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take your challah bread and cut it into cubes, then place them in a greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour this luscious mixture over the cubes of bread, ensuring every piece is soaked.
- Sprinkle brown sugar generously on top of the bread mixture for that extra sweetness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup on top for the ultimate indulgence!
Continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling. Egg-based fillings should be set rather than liquid. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for a better bake
- Warm dairy gently and stir until smooth. Hard boiling can separate a creamy sauce. Add a splash of milk or pasta water if it becomes too thick to coat the filling.
What to serve with it
Serve warm portions with fresh fruit and coffee or tea. For a larger brunch spread, simple accompaniments let the casserole remain the centerpiece.
Make-ahead and leftovers
For easier assembly, prepare the components ahead and refrigerate promptly in covered containers. Assemble when ready to bake. A chilled dish needs additional oven time; cover loosely at first if the topping colors before the center heats. Creamy fillings thicken as they cool, so loosen an individual portion with a small splash of milk or water before warming. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until hot throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare it ahead?
Keep the balance of filling and topping similar if making a variation, and check the center for doneness rather than relying only on surface color.
How can I prevent a dry filling?
Do not overcook the components before assembly. Keep the filling covered for part of baking if the surface is drying before the center heats. Stop baking once the filling is hot and the topping is ready, then allow a short rest before serving.
Classic French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 cups Challah bread cubes
- 6 large Eggs
- 1.5 cups Milk
- 0.5 cups Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/3 cup Brown sugar
- Maple syrup For serving
- Salt To taste after adding sauces and cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Measure everything before you start. Thaw frozen ingredients and drain canned ingredients as appropriate. Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Assembly
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the challah bread into cubes and place them in the greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is soaked.
- Sprinkle brown sugar generously on top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup on top.
- Continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and edges are bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
