French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread cut into cubes provides the base for the casserole, offering a sturdy texture that soaks up the custard mixture perfectly.

Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating the custard that binds the bread together and gives the dish its rich flavor.

Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps to create the custard mixture that soaks into the bread.

Heavy cream: Heavy cream adds richness and a creamy texture to the custard mixture.

Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds sweetness to the custard mixture.

Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to both the custard and the topping.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the custard mixture with its sweet, aromatic notes.

Flour: Flour is used in the topping to create a crumbly texture.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the topping, complementing the sweetness of the dish.

Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Butter: Cold butter cut into pieces is mixed with the flour and sugar to create a crumbly topping that bakes to a golden brown.

When preparing the topping for your French toast casserole, ensure that the butter is very cold before cutting it into pieces. This will help create a crumbly texture that will bake into a deliciously crisp and golden crust. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture, working quickly to prevent the butter from melting. This technique ensures that the topping remains light and flaky, adding a perfect contrast to the soft, custardy bread underneath.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it a great alternative for a more decadent casserole.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a similar texture and sweetness, perfect for soaking up the custard 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.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that works well in most recipes.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy texture similar to cow's milk, making it a good substitute.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture and is a good dairy-free alternative.

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is less rich but still adds creaminess to the dish.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile.

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

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

• brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is less processed and adds a rich, sweet flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract gives a different but pleasant flavor to the dish.

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

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

• flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is another gluten-free option that provides a slightly different texture.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that complements the dish.

• cinnamon - Substitute with allspice: Allspice provides a similar warm, spicy flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a slightly different mineral content and flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt is less processed and has a different texture.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that can be used in the same way as butter.

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

• Allow the French toast casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Alternatively, transfer the casserole to an airtight container.
• Store the covered casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• For freezing, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the wrapped casserole with the date to keep track of its freshness. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat from frozen, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
• For a quicker option, individual portions can be reheated directly from frozen in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power, checking and stirring frequently until warmed through.

• 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 it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the French toast casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• 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 slices of the French toast casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place slices of the French toast casserole in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give a nice crispy texture to the top.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast casserole on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil and heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

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

• 9x13 inch baking dish: The dish in which the bread cubes and egg mixture are placed and baked.

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

• Whisk: Essential for blending the wet ingredients smoothly.

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

• Pastry cutter: Useful for cutting the butter into the dry topping mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk, heavy cream, sugars, and flour accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Knife: For cutting the butter into pieces and potentially for cubing the bread if not pre-cut.

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

• Spatula: Helpful for spreading the topping evenly over the bread mixture.

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

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the bread into cubes 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 the topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in advance, then just cut in the butter when ready to bake.

Soak bread overnight: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and let it soak in the fridge overnight for a richer flavor.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.