In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe.

Easy French Toast Casserole: A Delightful Breakfast Treat

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked French Toast Casserole wafting through your home. This Easy French Toast Casserole recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a time-saver, making it perfect for weekend breakfasts or brunch gatherings. With its delightful combination of warm spices, crunchy pecans, and a rich custard, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 10 cups (1kg) cubed French bread (or sourdough or ciabatta), about 1 large loaf
• ½ cup (75g) chopped pecans or other nuts

For the Custard

• 5 eggs
• 1 ½ cups (354ml) milk
• ¼ cup (55g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C / gas 5).
2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the bread into 1-inch cubes, leaving the crust on for added texture. Slightly stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming overly mushy.

Assemble the Casserole

1. Grease the Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Bread: Add half of the bread cubes in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the pecans over the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and pecans.

Make the Custard

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Pour Over Bread: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.

Prepare the Topping

1. Combine Ingredients: In another small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Drizzle Topping: Drizzle the topping evenly over the casserole for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve

1. Cooling: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the custard set further, making it easier to slice.
2. Garnish: Serve with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence. Fresh fruit also makes a delightful accompaniment.

Tips for Success

• Bread Choice: Opt for sturdy bread like French, sourdough, or ciabatta. This ensures the bread holds up well during baking.
• Even Distribution: When adding mix-ins like pecans, distribute them evenly to ensure each bite is flavorful.
• Overnight Preparation: For a stress-free morning, prepare the casserole the night before. Cover and refrigerate to allow the bread to soak up the custard overnight.
• Baking Dish Size: Use a 9×13-inch baking dish to provide ample space for the casserole to rise without spilling over.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 709 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 121g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 81mg
• Sodium: 1125mg
• Potassium: 341mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 14g
• Vitamin A: 267IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 143mg
• Iron: 8mg

Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this Easy French Toast Casserole, a dish that’s sure to make your mornings a little brighter and your gatherings a bit more special. Bon appétit!

Easy French Toast Casserole

This Easy French Toast Casserole is perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Prepare it the night before and enjoy a delightful meal in the morning!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Cooling Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 709

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

French Toast Casserole

• 1000 g cubed French bread about 1 large loaf
• 75 g chopped pecans or other nuts

Custard

• 5 eggs
• 354 ml milk
• 55 g sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp salt

Topping

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.125 tsp salt

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C / gas 5. Slice your bread into 1-inch cubes, leaving the crust on.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Add about half of the bread cubes in an even layer on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the pecans on the top of the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and pecans.
3. In a small bowl, make the custard. Start by whisking the eggs together, then whisk in the milk, sugar, orange zest, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1⁄4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Pour evenly over the bread.
4. In another small bowl, make the topping by combining together the butter and brown sugar, then stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1⁄8 teaspoon of salt. Drizzle evenly over the bread.
5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top of the casserole is browned. Some of the tallest bread chunks will turn dark brown and all of the bread should be baked and crispy.
6. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with maple syrup and powdered sugar on top, if desired.

Notes

Select a sturdy bread like French, sourdough, or ciabatta. Slightly stale or day-old bread works best, as it can absorb the custard without becoming too mushy. Enhance your French Toast Casserole by serving it with maple syrup, fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for added decadence.