French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread, cut into cubes, provides the base for the casserole.

Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and add richness.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps to soak the bread.

Heavy cream: Contributes to the creamy texture of the casserole.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the egg mixture.

Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Flour: Used in the topping to create a crumbly texture.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the topping.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Butter: Cold and cut into pieces, it is used in the topping to create a buttery crumble.

To ensure your French bread absorbs the egg mixture thoroughly, let the bread cubes sit in the mixture for at least 10 minutes before adding the topping. This allows the bread to soak up the flavors, resulting in a richer and more cohesive casserole.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche has a similar texture and richness, making it an excellent alternative for a custardy casserole.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and dense, which works well in absorbing the egg mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a dairy-free option while maintaining a similar consistency.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is creamy and works well as a non-dairy substitute.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is rich and thick, making it a good non-dairy alternative.

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk has a similar richness and can be used if you want a dairy option with less fat.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and can be used in a slightly lesser amount due to its higher sweetness level.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a unique flavor and natural sweetness.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar texture and a slightly caramel-like flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is less processed and adds a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract can add a unique twist to the flavor.

• flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free option that adds a slightly nutty flavor.

• flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is another gluten-free option that works well in baking.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the dish.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other spices, adding a complex flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a slightly different mineral content and flavor but works similarly in recipes.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that provides a similar texture and flavor.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor.

• To keep your French toast casserole fresh, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap the entire dish in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact. Label the package with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

• If you prefer to freeze individual portions, cut the cooled casserole into serving sizes. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to thaw and reheat only what you need.

• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen French toast casserole, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. For a quicker option, you can use the microwave to defrost individual portions.

• To reheat the entire casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For individual portions, you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warm.

• If you find the casserole a bit dry after reheating, drizzle a little maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream to add moisture and enhance the flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover French toast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning.
  4. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the top get crispy again.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the French toast casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the French toast casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid to help heat evenly.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through and crispy on the outside.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the French toast casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. Remove when the casserole is heated through and the top is crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking dish: The container where the cubed French bread and egg mixture are placed and baked.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the wet ingredients smoothly.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk, heavy cream, sugars, and flour.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt precisely.

• Knife: Needed to cut the French bread into cubes and the butter into pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the bread and butter.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping.

• Pastry cutter: Helps to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the egg mixture over the bread cubes evenly.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cube the french bread and measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugars the night before.

Use a large mixing bowl: This allows you to whisk the egg mixture quickly and efficiently.

Pre-mix topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt ahead of time, then just cut in the butter when ready.

Grease dish in advance: Grease the baking dish before starting to save time during assembly.

Use a food processor: Quickly cut the butter into the topping mixture using a food processor.