Description
This French Toast Casserole is a delightful and comforting breakfast dish featuring challah bread cubes soaked in a rich custard mixture of eggs, milk, and warm spices. Topped with a buttery pecan and brown sugar crumble, it bakes to golden perfection and is best served with maple syrup for a sweet finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread, about 1½ pounds, 1 or 2 days old, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 5 large eggs
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Maple syrup, for serving
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, or coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Unsalted butter, or coconut oil, for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch or similar baking dish with unsalted butter or coconut oil. Place the challah bread cubes evenly in the dish to create the base of the casserole.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes to ensure they soak up the custard fully.
- Let soak: For a make-ahead option, cover the baking dish and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard thoroughly. If baking immediately, let the mixture stand at room temperature for 30 minutes for adequate soaking.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Add the topping: Drizzle the melted butter or coconut oil evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle the brown sugar and chopped pecans on top to add a sweet, crunchy layer.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the topping is browned and the custard is mostly set.
- Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it stand for 10 minutes to set perfectly before serving.
- Serve: Serve the French Toast Casserole warm, accompanied by maple syrup for drizzling.
Notes
- Using challah bread that is 1 to 2 days old is ideal as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute coconut oil for the butter and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Covering the casserole during the first part of baking helps to keep the moisture in, while uncovering towards the end allows the topping to crisp up nicely.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before, making it perfect for a hassle-free holiday breakfast or brunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
