Transport yourself to a cozy morning at a quaint French café with our delightful French Toast Casserole. This indulgent dish takes the classic flavors of French toast and transforms them into a convenient casserole, perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a decadent breakfast. With layers of bread cubes soaked in a rich custard flavored with maple syrup, vanilla, and warm spices, this casserole is sure to become a beloved addition to your breakfast repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this comforting delight.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread, cut into cubes (French bread or brioche works well)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup, plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter or cooking spray, for greasing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Fresh berries or sliced fruit, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cubes Begin by cutting the loaf of bread into bite-sized cubes. If using fresh bread, you can leave it out overnight to slightly stale, which will help it absorb the custard mixture better.
Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Arrange the Bread Cubes Spread the bread cubes evenly in the greased baking dish, creating a single layer. The cubes should cover the bottom of the dish in an even layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. The maple syrup adds sweetness, while the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg add warm and comforting flavors to the custard mixture.
Step 5: Pour Over the Bread Cubes Carefully pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring that all the cubes are coated evenly. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently press down on the bread cubes, ensuring they are submerged in the custard mixture.
Step 6: Let it Soak Allow the bread cubes to soak in the custard mixture for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This soaking time allows the bread to fully absorb the flavors of the custard, resulting in a rich and flavorful casserole.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Puffed Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the French toast casserole is golden brown on top and puffed up slightly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Once baked, remove the French Toast Casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve warm with additional maple syrup and fresh berries or sliced fruit on the side. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious breakfast treat!
With its irresistible combination of soft bread cubes soaked in a sweet and spiced custard, our French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to start your day on a cozy note. Whether enjoyed for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of comfort with this indulgent French toast casserole recipe. Bon appétit!
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