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French Toast Casserole Recipe: Easy Breakfast with Crunchy Layers

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This cozy French Toast Casserole features a golden, crunchy topping and a soft, custardy center. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for brunches or family gatherings, and easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Maple syrup (for serving)
  • Fresh berries (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cube the brioche or challah bread into 1-inch pieces and spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If bread is fresh, let cubes air out for an hour.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press bread down so every piece gets soaked. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add nuts if using. Mix until crumbly.
  5. Scatter the crunchy topping over the soaked bread.
  6. Cover casserole with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20-25 minutes, until topping is golden and center is set.
  7. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with fresh berries if desired.
  8. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute bread, flour, milk, and butter as needed. Let casserole rest after baking for easier slicing. Add fruit or chocolate chips for variations. If topping sinks, add more flour next time.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, breakfast, brunch, easy, crunchy topping, custard, make ahead, family, crowd pleaser, comfort food

Find it online: https://avabake.com/french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-breakfast-with-crunchy-layers/