Description
Indulgent Overnight French Toast Casserole blends classic breakfast comfort with elegant French-inspired flavors. Cinnamon-soaked bread layers promise a luxurious morning experience you’ll savor with each delightful, custardy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Eggs:
- 6 large eggs
Bread:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
Sugars and Sweeteners:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Dairy:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancer:
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious rectangular baking vessel with a light butter coating, then distribute bread cubes evenly across the bottom, creating a uniform layer.
- Create a luxurious custard base by thoroughly blending eggs, dairy products, sweetening agents, aromatic spices, and flavor enhancers in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gently cascade the silky custard mixture over bread cubes, meticulously ensuring each bread fragment becomes saturated and coated.
- Seal the baking dish with protective wrap and allow the mixture to rest and absorb flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours, preferably overnight.
- Activate the oven and calibrate temperature to a moderate 350°F, preparing for baking.
- Craft a delectable crumble topping by combining granulated brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and fragrant ground cinnamon, working the ingredients until they form a delightfully textured, sandy consistency.
- Generously disperse the crumbly topping across the chilled bread mixture, creating an enticing layer of sweetness.
- Transfer the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the surface transforms into a golden-brown landscape with a set, slightly firm center, approximately 40-45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow a brief cooling period before serving, presenting with optional embellishments like maple syrup, powdered sugar dusting, or a vibrant medley of fresh seasonal fruits.
Notes
- Choose slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture.
- Soak bread overnight to develop deeper, richer flavors and ensure every piece is perfectly saturated.
- Customize the spice blend by adding cardamom or replacing nutmeg with ginger for a unique twist.
- Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and replacing wheat flour in the topping with almond flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg