Save A warm, comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread, baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
Every time I prepare this French Toast Bake, it brings back memories of chilly weekend mornings filled with the smell of cinnamon wafting from the oven as my family gathered in the kitchen. There's nothing cozier than pulling this golden dish out and serving it up warm for everyone to enjoy together.
Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 400 g) day-old bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Eggs: 6 large
- Whole milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Granulated sugar: 100 g (1/2 cup)
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter, melted (for topping): 2 tbsp
- Brown sugar (for topping): 2 tbsp
- Ground cinnamon (for topping): 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish and bread:
- Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Make custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Soak bread:
- Pour custard mixture evenly over bread cubes, pressing gently so all pieces are soaked.
- Add topping:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle over top of casserole.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Let dish sit at room temperature while oven heats.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until top is golden brown and custard is set.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
Save My kids love gathering around the table and adding their favorite toppings, making breakfast a fun, shared moment. It's always requested for holiday mornings and special celebrations in our home.
Make it Ahead
Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake fresh for a no-stress breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Try topping with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A dollop of whipped cream also pairs beautifully.
Allergy Modifications
Swap in non-dairy milk or cream and gluten-free bread for those with dietary restrictions. Double check your bread for hidden allergens.
Save This French Toast Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast you can prep ahead. Every bite is sure to bring everyone to the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different bread types for this bake?
Yes, brioche or challah is ideal for a tender texture, but other day-old breads like French bread or sourdough can also work well.
- → Is it necessary to soak the bread overnight?
While soaking overnight improves custard absorption and flavor melding, a minimum 30-minute chill before baking also yields good results.
- → How can I add a crunchy topping?
Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the brown sugar and butter topping for a delightful nutty crunch after baking.
- → Can dairy alternatives be used in the custard?
Yes, plant-based milks and creams can replace dairy, but curdling risk varies, so choose options like oat or almond milk for best texture.
- → What is the best temperature to bake this dish?
Baking at 175°C (350°F) ensures even cooking and a golden, set custard without drying out the bake.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain custardy texture and warmth.