Description
This French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious baked breakfast dish featuring day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and spices, then baked to golden perfection and topped with pecans and melted butter. Perfect for serving a crowd, it pairs wonderfully with maple syrup for a sweet and satisfying morning treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish – Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside to form the base layer.
- Mix the Custard – In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Bread – Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently with a spatula or your hands to make sure all cubes absorb the liquid. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat & Assemble – Before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top and drizzle the melted butter over the nuts and bread cubes for added flavor and crispiness.
- Bake – Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the custard is fully set in the center (a knife inserted should come out clean).
- Serve – Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for a deliciously sweet finish. Enjoy your comforting French Toast Casserole!
Notes
- For best results, use day-old or slightly stale French bread to prevent sogginess.
- Soaking the bread overnight helps deepen the flavor and texture.
- Chopped pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Feel free to substitute with other nuts or omit for a nut-free version.
- Maple syrup enhances the sweetness but can be replaced with honey or fruit compote.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.
