Description

This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast dish that combines soft cubes of French bread soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a sweet brown sugar and cinnamon crust, this casserole is perfect for brunch or holiday mornings, serving 8 people with a delightful blend of buttery sweetness and aromatic cinnamon flavor.

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)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a 13×9 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to prepare for the casserole.
Prepare Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Stir in the packed brown sugar until it dissolves into a smooth mixture. Pour this warm sugar mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Assemble Casserole: Add the cubed French bread to the baking pan, spreading them evenly over the brown sugar and butter mixture to create a base layer.
Make Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all bread pieces are soaked.
Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and the tablespoon of brown sugar evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy this warm, sweet casserole as a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.

Notes

This casserole can be prepared the night before by assembling all ingredients in the baking dish, covering, and refrigerating. Bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
Use slightly stale French bread for best texture, as it absorbs the custard better without getting too soggy.
For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or raisins on top before baking.
If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with cream.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American