![For a tasty Baked French Toast Casserole, gather these main ingredients: - 1 loaf of thick sliced challah or brioche bread, cut into cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option) - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 cup brown sugar These ingredients create a rich and creamy base. The eggs give it a nice structure. Milk and heavy cream add creaminess and flavor. The bread absorbs all the wonderful flavors. You can add these optional ingredients for an extra touch: - 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional) - Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) for topping - Powdered sugar for dusting Adding chopped nuts gives a nice crunch. Fresh berries bring brightness and color to your dish. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a sweet finish. This Baked French Toast Casserole is sure to delight! For the full recipe, check out the details in the article. First, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and spray it with non-stick spray. This helps the casserole come out clean. Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Mix them until you see no lumps. This mixture is the heart of your dish. Now, take your thick sliced challah or brioche bread and cut it into cubes. Add these cubes to your egg mixture. Gently fold the bread into the liquid. Make sure every piece gets coated well. This step is key for flavor and texture. Let the bread soak for about 15-20 minutes. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb all those yummy flavors. Once soaked, if you like, stir in the chopped pecans. Spread the mixture evenly in your greased baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it. The top should turn golden brown, and the center should feel firm. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. Serve it warm, topped with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy your delightful breakfast treat! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To get the best texture in your casserole, soaking time is key. I recommend soaking the bread cubes for about 15-20 minutes. This lets them soak up the egg mixture fully. If you skip this step, your casserole might turn out dry. Choosing the right bread is also important. Thick sliced challah or brioche bread works best. These types are soft and soak well. You can also try sourdough for a tangy twist. Adding spices or extracts can take your dish to the next level. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract. Both will enhance the flavor without being overpowering. For exciting variations, think about adding chocolate chips or fresh fruit. You can mix in berries, bananas, or even diced apples. Each choice brings a new flavor and texture, making it fun to experiment. When it comes to serving, think about sides that complement the casserole. Crispy bacon or fresh fruit pairs nicely. These sides add contrast and balance the sweet flavors. For presentation, serve the casserole warm and dust it with powdered sugar. A drizzle of maple syrup on top makes it look even more tempting. Adding fresh berries on top not only looks great but tastes amazing too. {{image_2}} You can easily make a dairy-free version of this dish. Use almond milk instead of regular milk. It tastes great and keeps the dish creamy. For cream, try coconut cream or a thick dairy-free yogurt. Both options add richness without dairy. You won’t lose any flavor, either. The spices and sweeteners bring out all the yummy taste. The type of bread you use can change everything. Sourdough adds a nice tang, while whole grain bread gives a hearty feel. You can mix different kinds of bread, too. Try combining challah with sourdough for a unique texture. This mix creates a chewy and soft casserole. Each bite will surprise you with a new flavor. Make your casserole fit the season by adding fruits. In the fall, use pumpkin puree or apples. For summer, berries work well. You can also add spices like pumpkin pie spice in the fall. In winter, try cinnamon and nutmeg for that warm holiday feel. These changes make every meal special and exciting. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your Baked French Toast Casserole fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It should stay good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. For the best taste, reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking often. To freeze your casserole, let it cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven, as mentioned before, or use the microwave. Enjoy your treat later with ease! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Baked French toast casserole lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you see any signs of spoilage, throw it away. Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. Start by mixing the egg and milk mixture. Then, coat the bread cubes in the mixture. Place it in a baking dish and cover it. Let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven for baking. This makes mornings easy and fun. If you need to replace eggs, there are great options. You can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. Another choice is a mashed banana. You can also mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These swaps work well and keep the dish tasty. Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread. Look for brands that are soft and thick. This helps the casserole hold together. You can find many options in stores now, making it easy to enjoy this dish. In this post, you learned about Baked French Toast Casserole. We covered the key ingredients, from thick bread to spices. You discovered how to prepare and bake the dish to achieve the best texture. Tips for customization and variations allow you to impress your guests. Whether for a holiday or a simple brunch, this recipe fits all occasions. Don't forget storage tips to enjoy leftovers later. With easy steps and fun flavors, you can make this dish your own!](https://recipesure.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/e6eb3df8-f1df-4105-a472-b2fb717a49d3-250x250.webp)
Baked French Toast Casserole
Indulge in the deliciousness of Baked French Toast Casserole that's perfect for breakfast or brunch! This easy recipe combines thick slices of challah or brioche bread with a creamy egg mixture, topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Ready in just over an hour, it's a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings! Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy this delightful treat today!