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- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts - Powdered sugar, for dusting - Fresh berries for garnish For the best French toast casserole, choose brioche or challah. These breads soak up the egg mixture well. Their soft texture creates a rich, fluffy dish. You can also use whole grain bread for a healthier twist. If you're looking for dairy alternatives, try almond milk or oat milk. They work great in this recipe and keep the flavor rich. A combination of these will give you good results. When choosing nuts, pecans add a nice crunch while walnuts offer a slightly milder taste. You can find the full recipe for this delicious casserole at the end of the article. 1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. 2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar. 4. Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the egg mixture. Whisk until it’s smooth. 1. Now, take your cubed brioche or challah bread. Place it evenly in the greased baking dish. 2. Pour the egg mixture over the bread. Press down gently so the bread soaks up the liquid. 3. If you like nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch. This adds great flavor. 1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least two hours or overnight. This helps the bread absorb the mixture. 2. When ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge. Let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. 3. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. Look for a puffed and golden brown top. You can cover it with foil in the last 15 minutes if it browns too much. 4. Once baked, let it cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving warm. Enjoy with maple syrup and fresh berries! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get the best texture, you need to soak the bread well. Soaking helps the bread absorb the egg mixture. Aim for at least two hours in the fridge. Overnight soaking is even better. This makes your casserole soft and rich. To prevent dryness, make sure you use enough liquid. The mix of milk, cream, and eggs keeps the bread moist. If you find your casserole is too dry, consider using more cream or milk next time. A good balance of liquid is key. For toppings, think about fresh fruits and maple syrup. Berries like strawberries and blueberries are great options. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. You might also want to try nuts for crunch. They add flavor and texture. Pair your casserole with a side of bacon or sausage. This adds protein and balances the meal. For drinks, serve coffee or fresh juice. These make a lovely brunch spread. One common mistake is misjudging the baking time. Keep an eye on your casserole while it bakes. You want it puffed and golden brown. If it looks too dark, cover it with foil to prevent burning. Using the wrong type of bread is another issue. Soft breads like brioche or challah work best. They soak up the liquid well. Avoid using dry or crusty breads. They won't give you the soft texture you want in this classic dish. {{image_2}} You can make classic French toast casserole even more fun. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Fresh fruits like berries or bananas add color and taste. You can also change the spices to match your mood. Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a warm twist. Each change gives a new flavor to enjoy. Want a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free bread. There are many tasty options available. For a dairy-free dish, swap out the milk and cream for almond or oat milk. You can also use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. These simple swaps keep the casserole delicious for everyone. For special occasions, add festive flavors. Use pumpkin spice for a cozy autumn vibe. During the winter, try peppermint extract for a holiday treat. Citrus zest can brighten up the dish for spring. These twists create a fun way to celebrate with family and friends. To keep your French toast casserole fresh, start by cooling it. Once it’s cool, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps it warm and tasty. You can freeze the casserole if you want to save it for later. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to bake it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Bake it as usual at 350°F (175°C). If you've already baked it, let it cool before freezing. Wrap it tightly and reheat it from frozen or thawed for about 30-40 minutes. In the fridge, your casserole lasts about three days. If frozen, it can stay good for up to three months. Just remember that freezing may change the texture a bit, but it will still taste great. Enjoy your Classic French Toast Casserole whenever you want a delightful treat! For the full recipe, check out the details above. The best bread for French toast casserole is brioche or challah. These breads are soft and fluffy. They soak up the egg mixture well. This helps create a rich and creamy texture. Other options include sourdough or whole wheat bread. However, they may not be as sweet or soft. If you like a bit of crunch, add some crusty French bread. Just remember, the softer the bread, the better the casserole. Yes, you can easily make this casserole ahead of time. To do this, prepare the casserole and cover it with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least two hours, or overnight for the best flavor. This soaking time allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture well. When you are ready to bake, take it out and let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This helps it bake evenly. You will know the casserole is done when it is puffed and golden brown. This usually takes about 45-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The center should not jiggle when you gently shake the dish. If it looks too brown on top, cover it with aluminum foil. This will prevent it from burning while it finishes cooking. After baking, let it cool a bit before serving. It will be delicious! Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat with maple syrup and fresh berries. You can find the full recipe in the earlier sections. You now have the tools to make a tasty French toast casserole. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to achieve the best texture and avoid common mistakes. Plus, we shared delicious variations and storage options. With all this knowledge, you can impress your loved ones at breakfast or brunch. Enjoy making this dish and let your creativity shine!

Classic French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the deliciousness of Classic French Toast Casserole, perfect for breakfast or brunch! This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients like brioche bread and eggs into a delightful dish, all topped with maple syrup and fresh berries. Ideal for gatherings or a special treat, follow our step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect golden-brown casserole. Click through to explore the recipe and impress your family with this tasty classic!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Fresh berries (such as strawberries and blueberries), for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

      Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Pour the egg mixture over the bread, gently pressing down to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

        If using, sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top of the bread.

          Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.

            When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.

              Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden brown. You might want to tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent excessive browning.

                Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10