French Toast Casserole
French Toast Casserole is perfect for brunch or a special breakfast. It can be prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for gatherings. I love to make it whenever I have leftover French bread, donuts, muffins, random bread, so I tend to make this dish during the week, especially, because you can prepare ahead of time. Breakfast for dinner fans this is an amazing addition!
French Toast Casserole
FUN FACTS ABOUT FRENCH TOAST
**Not Really French**: Despite its name, French toast is believed to have originated long before France and was eaten by the ancient Romans. The term "French toast" is common in the United States and other English-speaking countries, but in France, it is called "pain perdu," which means "lost bread."
**Historical Recipes**: One of the earliest recorded recipes for French toast can be found in a Roman cookbook from the 4th or 5th century called "Apicius." The recipe used stale bread dipped in a mixture of milk and eggs.
**Stale Bread Benefit**: French toast was invented as a way to prevent wasting stale bread. The soaking in the egg mixture revitalizes the bread, making it both delicious and economical.
**Cultural Variations**: Many cultures have their own versions of French toast. For example, in Spain, there is "torrija," a popular dish during Holy Week, while in Italy, it's called "brioche alla francese." In Portugal, it’s known as "rabanadas."
**Endless Variations**: French toast can be made with different types of bread, such as brioche, challah, sourdough, or even croissants, which can dramatically change the texture and flavor. Additionally, people often add toppings like fruits, syrup, whipped cream, or even savory ingredients.
**National French Toast Day**: There’s a day dedicated to this delicious dish! National French Toast Day is celebrated on November 28th each year in the United States.
**Regional Favorites**: In New Orleans, a popular variation is “pain perdue,” which is often made with thick slices of day-old French bread and served as a brunch staple topped with powdered sugar, syrup, or fruit.
**French Toast Casserole**: This dish has evolved into casseroles, allowing for a convenient way to prepare French toast for larger gatherings. This variation often includes custard and is baked in a dish for a more decadent, hearty breakfast.
**French Toast Challenges**: Some regions have organized French toast festivals and competitions, where participants try to create the biggest or most extravagant French toast dishes.
**Nutritious Options**: While French toast can be a decadent treat, there are healthier variations available, such as using whole grain bread, adding nutritional ingredients like flaxseeds or chia seeds, and using less sugar or natural sweeteners.
French toast is not just a delicious breakfast item; it also has a rich history and cultural significance around the world. Whether sweet or savory, it's a versatile dish that continues to delight people of all ages!
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread (about 16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes (You can use random bread you have around the house to make up the 16 ounces. Sometimes, I'll use muffins or donuts we have leftover added with the bread-works great).
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (or milk of your choice)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or oatmeal (optional)
Instructions
- PREPARE THE BREAD: Place the cubed French bread in a large greased baking dish (about 9x13 inches).
- MAKE THE CUSTARD: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using, you can use milk), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.
- COMBINE: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down the bread to ensure it's all soaked in the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- PREPARE THE TOPPING: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly. If using nuts or oatmeal, mix them in as well.
- BAKE: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until center is set. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover it. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the soaked bread.
- SERVE: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can drizzle it with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or serve with fresh fruits.
Notes
Tips:
- Make Ahead: This casserole is perfect for preparing ahead. Just assemble everything the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Variations: You can add fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas into the mix or layer them on top before baking.
- Flavor Additions: Consider adding a splash of orange or almond extract to the custard for extra flavor.
Enjoy your French Toast Casserole—it’s sure to be a hit at your breakfast or brunch table!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 382Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 210mgSodium: 328mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 2gProtein: 9g
French Toast Casserole Recipe
Here are some fun facts about French toast that you might enjoy:
- Not Really French: Despite its name, French toast is believed to have originated long before France and was eaten by the ancient Romans. The term “French toast” is common in the United States and other English-speaking countries, but in France, it is called “pain perdu,” which means “lost bread.”
- Historical Recipes: One of the earliest recorded recipes for French toast can be found in a Roman cookbook from the 4th or 5th century called “Apicius.” The recipe used stale bread dipped in a mixture of milk and eggs.
- Stale Bread Benefit: French toast was invented as a way to prevent wasting stale bread. The soaking in the egg mixture revitalizes the bread, making it both delicious and economical.
- Cultural Variations: Many cultures have their own versions of French toast. For example, in Spain, there is “torrija,” a popular dish during Holy Week, while in Italy, it’s called “brioche alla francese.” In Portugal, it’s known as “rabanadas.”
- Endless Variations: French toast can be made with different types of bread, such as brioche, challah, sourdough, or even croissants, which can dramatically change the texture and flavor. Additionally, people often add toppings like fruits, syrup, whipped cream, or even savory ingredients.
- National French Toast Day: There’s a day dedicated to this delicious dish! National French Toast Day is celebrated on November 28th each year in the United States.
- Regional Favorites: In New Orleans, a popular variation is “pain perdue,” which is often made with thick slices of day-old French bread and served as a brunch staple topped with powdered sugar, syrup, or fruit.
- French Toast Casserole: This dish has evolved into casseroles, allowing for a convenient way to prepare French toast for larger gatherings. This variation often includes custard and is baked in a dish for a more decadent, hearty breakfast.
- French Toast Challenges: Some regions have organized French toast festivals and competitions, where participants try to create the biggest or most extravagant French toast dishes.
- Nutritious Options: While French toast can be a decadent treat, there are healthier variations available, such as using whole grain bread, adding nutritional ingredients like flaxseeds or chia seeds, and using less sugar or natural sweeteners.
French toast is not just a delicious breakfast item; it also has a rich history and cultural significance around the world. Whether sweet or savory, it’s a versatile dish that continues to delight people of all ages! You can save the recipe from the recipes section on my Pinterest page.
