French Toast Casserole
Description:
This delightful French Toast Casserole recipe is perfect for those seeking something different to serve for a holiday brunch or a special weekend treat. Inspired by a friend’s recommendation, this dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey, adding a burst of flavor to your morning spread. Additionally, it complements cheesy ham cups brilliantly, making for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your guests. The prep time includes assembly and refrigeration, allowing the flavors to meld overnight for a truly indulgent experience.
Recipe Information:
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 9 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours and 50 minutes
- Recipe Category: Breakfast
- Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Fruit, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, Refrigerator, Easy
- Servings: 12
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 191.8
- Fat Content: 7.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 137.6mg
- Sodium Content: 215.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 21.4g
- Fiber Content: 0.8g
- Sugar Content: 5.3g
- Protein Content: 9g
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 1 |
| Milk | 8 cups |
| Sugar | 3 cups |
| Vanilla Extract | 4 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Butter | 3/4 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Maple Syrup | 3 tbsp |
| Honey | 2 tbsp |
| Cool Whip | To serve |
Instructions:
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Prepare Bread Cubes: Begin by greasing a 13x9x2-inch baking dish and evenly spreading the bread cubes in it.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
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Pour Mixture Over Bread: Carefully pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
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Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a rich and flavorful casserole.
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Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking to bring it to room temperature.
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Add Butter: Dot the top of the casserole with small pieces of butter to enhance the richness and flavor.
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Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to every bite.
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Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let Stand: Once baked, allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving. This helps to set the custard and makes for easier slicing.
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Serve: Serve the French Toast Casserole warm, topping each serving with fresh fruit and a dollop of Cool Whip for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for an extra touch of sweetness, and enjoy the indulgent goodness of this irresistible dish.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or simply treating your family to a special breakfast, this French Toast Casserole is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for any occasion. With its make-ahead convenience and delicious flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
