French Toast Bake

A warm comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

I first made this French Toast Bake on a chilly weekend the recipe instantly became a favorite in our house. Its simple assembly and irresistible aroma make it a go-to for lazy breakfasts with family.

Ingredients

• Bread: 1 loaf (about 400 g) day-old bread (such as brioche or challah) cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
• Custard: 6 large eggs 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp salt
• Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted 2 tbsp brown sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare Baking Dish:

Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.

Mix Custard:

In a large bowl whisk together eggs milk heavy cream sugar vanilla extract cinnamon and salt until fully combined.

Combine Bread & Custard:

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.

Add Topping:

In a small bowl mix melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the casserole.

Chill:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while the oven heats.

Bake:

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serve:

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm optionally with maple syrup fresh berries or powdered sugar.

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We love enjoying this French Toast Bake together on Sunday mornings especially when everyone can add their favorite toppings. It brings the whole family to the table for a cozy meal.

Required Tools

You'll need a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish mixing bowls a whisk measuring cups and measuring spoons to prepare this breakfast casserole.

Allergen Information

Contains eggs dairy and gluten (wheat). Always check bread ingredients if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 320 calories 13 g total fat 40 g carbohydrates and 10 g protein.

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Turn leftovers into a quick snack or reheat for breakfast the next day. Its sure to brighten your morning!

Recipe FAQ

→ Can any type of bread be used?

Day-old rich breads like brioche or challah work best for soaking up custard while maintaining structure.

→ How long should the dish rest before baking?

Refrigerate covered for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow full custard absorption for a creamy texture.

→ What variations can enhance the topping?

Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor in the buttery cinnamon sugar topping.

→ Is it possible to use dairy alternatives?

Yes, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives to accommodate dietary preferences.

→ How can leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently in oven or microwave before serving.