Description
This Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole combines custard-soaked bread with a crunchy crumble topping for a rich and satisfying breakfast that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- Casserole:
- 1 (1-pound) loaf unsliced sourdough, Italian, or French bread (not baguette)
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups half-and-half (or 1½ cups each whole milk and heavy cream)
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, divided
- Crumble Topping:
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 2 ounces chopped nuts (about ½ cup), such as pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Optional Toppings:
- Warm maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Tear bread into bite-sized pieces and spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk eggs, half-and-half, ½ cup brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg in a bowl.
- Pour custard over bread and press gently to soak. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
- Combine remaining brown sugar, chopped nuts, flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and nutmeg in a bowl. Add butter and mix into coarse crumbs. Refrigerate.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle topping over casserole. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and custard is set.
- Let cool for 10 minutes. Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries if desired.
Notes
- Use crusty bread for the best texture.
- Add fruits like blueberries or sliced bananas for extra flavor.
- Prepare the night before for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American