Go Back
To make this tasty Baked French Toast Casserole, you need: - 1 loaf of brioche bread, cubed - 6 large eggs - 2 cups milk (you can use whole or almond) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract These main ingredients form the base of the dish. The brioche bread gives it a soft, rich texture. Eggs bind everything together while adding protein. Milk adds creaminess, and sugar gives sweetness. Lastly, the vanilla extract brings in a lovely flavor. For extra flavor, consider adding: - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. They make the dish smell amazing as it bakes. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. They also give a nutty taste that pairs well with the sweet bread. I love serving this casserole with: - Maple syrup - Powdered sugar for dusting Drizzling maple syrup on top makes it sweet and delicious. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch and makes it look pretty. This combination turns your breakfast into a special treat that everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or oil. This keeps the casserole from sticking. - In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 cup of maple syrup. Mix until everything is smooth. - Now, take your loaf of brioche bread and cut it into cubes. Place them in the greased baking dish. - Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down. This helps it soak up the liquid. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This step makes the flavors blend well. - When ready to bake, remove the foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center. - Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes. If you like, dust it with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy with extra maple syrup on top! Overnight soaking benefits: Soaking the bread overnight makes a big difference. It allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully. This gives you a rich, creamy texture. Plus, it saves you time in the morning! Achieving the right texture: To get the best texture, use day-old brioche bread. Fresh bread can become too mushy. If you can’t find day-old bread, just let fresh bread sit out for a few hours. This helps it dry out a bit. You want it soft but not falling apart. Recommended toppings: Serve your casserole with warm maple syrup. A light drizzle adds sweetness. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top for extra flair. Chopped nuts, like pecans, add crunch and flavor too! How to serve warm: Let your casserole cool for about ten minutes after baking. This helps it set. Then, cut it into squares. Serve each piece warm for the best taste. Everyone loves a warm slice of baked French toast! Why it may sink or fail to cook evenly: If your casserole sinks, it might be too wet. Make sure you soak the bread long enough. If it's unevenly cooked, your oven may have hot spots. Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even cooking. Fixing common texture problems: If your casserole turns out too dry, you might not have used enough liquid. Next time, try adding a bit more milk. If it’s too soggy, reduce the soaking time. Finding the right balance is key! Pro Tips Chill for Best Flavor: Letting the casserole sit in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the bread to soak up the egg mixture thoroughly. Use Stale Bread: If you have day-old brioche or other bread, it will absorb the egg mixture better, resulting in a richer texture. Customize with Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like blueberries, chocolate chips, or bananas for a personalized twist. Serve with Style: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh fruit and extra maple syrup for a beautiful brunch presentation. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding fruits. Berries, like strawberries or blueberries, add a fresh taste. Bananas work well too. Just slice them and mix them in before baking. Another fun twist is to add chocolate chips. They melt and create a rich flavor. Just sprinkle them over the bread before adding the egg mixture. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many stores sell it now. It tastes great and works well in this recipe. For dairy-free needs, almond milk is a good choice. It adds a nice flavor, and you can skip the regular milk. This change keeps the dish tasty for everyone. You can also try a savory version. Instead of sweet toppings, use herbs and cheese. Fresh spinach and feta cheese create a unique flavor. Another idea is to add cooked bacon or sausage. This gives a hearty twist to the classic recipe. Just chop them up and mix into the bread. After enjoying your baked French toast casserole, you may have some leftovers. For best results, store them in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Place the casserole in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, I recommend reheating them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a piece of foil over the casserole to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid dryness. If you want to freeze the casserole, do so before baking. Prepare the dish as usual, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It can stay frozen for up to two months. When you're ready to bake, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Enjoy that fresh-baked taste! Yes, you can prepare this casserole the night before. After you assemble it, cover it and place it in the fridge. This lets the bread soak up the egg mixture well. When you're ready, just bake it in the morning. You can use challah, French bread, or even sourdough. Each bread gives a unique taste. Just ensure the bread is fresh or slightly stale for the best texture. Check for a golden brown top. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. The edges should also feel firm to the touch, not jiggly. Yes, you can use a mixture of silken tofu and milk as an egg substitute. For each egg, use 1/4 cup of blended tofu. This helps bind the ingredients together, keeping it moist. This blog post covered how to make a delicious brioche casserole. We looked at key ingredients like brioche bread, eggs, and milk. The steps guide you from preparation to baking. We discussed tips for the perfect texture and fun variations to try. Remember, you can make this dish your own with different fruits or even a savory touch. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and don't hesitate to experiment. With the right tips, you can create a tasty casserole every time. Happy cooking!

Baked French Toast Casserole

A delicious and easy-to-make baked French toast casserole, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk (whole or almond)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
  • to taste powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup until smooth.
  • Place the cubed brioche bread in the greased baking dish, and pour the egg mixture evenly over the top. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it soak up the liquid.
  • If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the bread mixture for added crunch and flavor.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
  • Once ready to bake, remove the foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm with additional maple syrup drizzled on top.

Notes

For best results, let the casserole rest overnight in the refrigerator.
Keyword breakfast, brioche, casserole, French toast