Description
Rich layers of cinnamon-kissed French toast casserole promise pure breakfast bliss. Creamy custard and golden bread meld into a comforting morning masterpiece you’ll savor with pure joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced 1-inch thick
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) half-and-half
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
Sweeteners and Spices:
- ⅔ cup (133 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Finishing Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel by applying a generous layer of butter, then carefully position French bread slices to create an elegant, uniform foundation.
- Craft a luxurious custard fusion by whisking together eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture transforms into a silky, harmonious blend.
- Gently cascade the custard mixture over the bread slices, ensuring complete saturation and gentle pressing to maximize liquid absorption throughout each bread segment.
- Envelop the baking dish with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator, allowing the bread to leisurely marinate and develop deep, intricate flavor profiles overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), removing the protective plastic wrap from the chilled dish in preparation for baking.
- Embellish the bread’s surface with delicate butter fragments and a lavish dusting of sugar, creating potential for a glistening, caramelized exterior.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for approximately 35-40 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown complexion and the toast rises with elegant puffiness.
- After removing from the oven, allow a brief cooling moment, then sprinkle additional sugar and activate the broiler to create a crisp, caramelized finish that adds textural complexity.
Notes
- Prep ahead the night before to let bread soak up delicious custard flavors, transforming ordinary French toast into a luxurious morning treat.
- Make sure to use day-old or slightly stale French bread for maximum absorption and perfect texture that doesn’t become soggy.
- Create a foolproof custard by whisking ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no egg lumps remain for a silky smooth consistency.
- Cover the dish completely while refrigerating to prevent any unwanted moisture or flavors from seeping into the breakfast casserole.
- Butter the baking dish generously to prevent sticking and help create a golden, crispy exterior when baking.
- Check doneness by looking for a puffy, golden-brown top and a slightly firm center that isn’t liquid-like.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg