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Easy Baked French Toast Casserole

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This Easy Baked French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. Soft and fluffy bread is soaked in a rich custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crumble. Serve it with maple syrup for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (about 10 cups), cubed
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread:
    Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the cubed bread to the dish, spreading it evenly.
  2. Make the Custard:
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Assemble:
    Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to ensure every piece is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  4. Make the Topping:
    In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Bake:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the middle.
  6. Serve:
    Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • For a crunchier topping, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble.
  • You can use any sturdy bread, such as sourdough or French bread, in place of brioche.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.