Description
This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish featuring French bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, baked to golden perfection over a rich brown sugar and butter base. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ a loaf of French bread (about 8 oz), cut into cubes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar for topping
- Powdered sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 13×9 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to get ready for the casserole assembly.
- Prepare Sugar Mixture: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the packed brown sugar until it’s fully dissolved and smooth. Pour this warm sugar and butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the cubed French bread evenly over the brown sugar and butter layer in the baking pan, ensuring it covers the entire bottom.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until well combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, allowing them to soak up the custard.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the top of the assembled casserole. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm for a comforting breakfast treat!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of skim milk.
- Day-old French bread works best, as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before by assembling it, covering with foil, and refrigerating; then bake it fresh in the morning.
- Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a delightful crunch.
- To keep it gluten free, substitute the French bread with a gluten-free bread option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
