Ah, French toast casserole—it’s like breakfast’s warm embrace, isn’t it? Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the house, a sensory hug in the morning chill. I remember last winter, caught up in a snowstorm, we gathered around the table, each forkful a taste of coziness and delight, and somehow, it made the storm feel like a distant whisper.
Steps
- Prepare a 13-by-9-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter. Break the sourdough or French bread into chunks or cut it into cubes, and distribute them evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the bread, ensuring it is evenly soaked. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight for best results, or bake immediately if desired.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and optional nutmeg. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles small pebbles. Store the topping in a plastic bag in the fridge until ready to use.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F when ready to bake. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, sprinkle the prepared topping over the bread mixture, and bake for 45 minutes if you prefer a soft texture, or up to 1 hour for a firmer texture.
- Serve individual portions by scooping them out. Top each serving with butter, a drizzle of warm syrup, and a scattering of fresh blueberries. Enjoy your dish!
Ingredients
- Butter, for greasing and serving
- 1 loaf of crusty sourdough or French bread
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- Warm syrup, for serving
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, for serving
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
FAQ
- Can baked French toast be prepared in advance?
- Absolutely! You can assemble baked French toast the night before and let it rest in the fridge to enhance its flavors. This makes it a convenient option for busy mornings when you’re hosting a crowd.
- What causes my French toast casserole to become soggy?
- The sogginess may result from using overly soft bread, like white sandwich bread, which doesn’t absorb the custard well. To prevent this, opt for crusty bread and consider baking the casserole longer if needed.
- Which type of bread is ideal for baked French toast?
- Crusty sourdough or French bread works best for baked French toast. Using day-old bread that has slightly dried out is even more effective for soaking up the custard.
- Is it better to bake French toast casserole covered or uncovered?
- Baking the casserole uncovered is preferred to ensure the streusel topping becomes crispy and caramelized, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
- What fruits can be incorporated into the casserole?
- You can mix in strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, or even fresh peaches in the summer. For a fall variation, sliced apples would be a wonderful addition.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a loaf of crusty sourdough or French bread to ensure the bread absorbs the custard well. Day-old bread that has become slightly stale works even better for a perfect texture.
- Prepare in Advance: Assemble the French toast casserole the night before and let it rest in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an easy, stress-free breakfast the next day.
- Avoid Sogginess: If the casserole turns out soggy, bake it a bit longer until it firms up. Using crusty bread from the start also helps to prevent this issue.
- Experiment with Fruit: Enhance your casserole by mixing in fruits like strawberries, blackberries, or even fresh peaches. For a seasonal twist, try adding sliced apples in the fall.
Equipment
- Pastry Cutter – Useful for mixing the topping ingredients until they resemble fine pebbles.
- 13-by-9-inch Baking Pan – Essential for assembling and baking the French toast casserole.
- Nutmeg Grater – If you choose to use freshly grated nutmeg, a small grater specifically for nutmeg would be handy.
