Description
Comfort meets elegance in this overnight cinnamon nutmeg French toast casserole, a breakfast sensation that promises pure morning bliss. Bread cubes soaked in rich custard bring Mediterranean warmth to your table, inviting you to savor each delectable spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread:
- 1 loaf French bread or thick Texas toast
Liquid and Eggs:
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) half and half
- ½ cup (118 milliliters) milk
- 1 ½ sticks (170 grams) butter, softened
Spices and Sweeteners:
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by generously greasing with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slice the French bread into robust 1-inch thick segments, creating a slightly overlapping arrangement within the greased vessel.
- Craft a velvety custard base by vigorously whisking eggs until smooth, then incorporating half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a harmonious blend.
- Delicately cascade the custard mixture over bread slices, meticulously ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly saturated, gently maneuvering liquid between layers for maximum absorption.
- Seal the dish with aluminum foil and allow the mixture to marinate overnight in the refrigerator, enabling flavors to deeply permeate the bread.
- Remove the casserole from cold storage and carefully rotate each bread slice to optimize custard distribution.
- Preheat the oven to a precise 350°F, preparing for transformation.
- Construct a decadent cinnamon crunch topping by blending butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a rich, cohesive mixture.
- Lavishly distribute the topping across bread slices, ensuring even coverage and allowing some to nestle between bread segments.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the casserole rises dramatically and achieves a golden-brown luminescence.
Notes
- Overnight Prep Magic: This make-ahead breakfast casserole transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious morning treat that requires minimal morning effort.
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old French bread or challah for the best texture, ensuring the bread can absorb the rich custard without falling apart.
- Customization Friendly: Swap half-and-half with whole milk or add a splash of bourbon to the custard for a personalized flavor boost.
- Topping Texture Tip: The cinnamon crunch topping creates a delightful crispy contrast to the soft, custardy bread underneath, elevating the entire dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with fresh berries to make this casserole feel extra special.
- Storage Wisdom: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, reheating individual portions in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast revival.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg