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For a great Classic French Toast Casserole, you need simple and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you’ll use: - 1 loaf of rich brioche or fluffy challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes - 6 large eggs, room temperature - 2 cups whole milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg) - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (plus additional for serving) These ingredients create a creamy, sweet base that fills your kitchen with aroma. You can make your casserole even better with a few add-ins. Try these: - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture - 1/2 cup chocolate chips for a sweet twist - 1/2 cup diced apples or bananas for a fruity touch These add-ins let you customize the casserole to your taste. Adding nuts or fruit makes each bite special. Once your casserole is baked, it’s time to serve it with delicious toppings. Here are my favorites: - A light dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finish - Fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries for color and flavor - A drizzle of pure maple syrup for extra sweetness These toppings enhance the look and taste of your dish. You can mix and match them to please everyone at the table. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a perfect bake. Next, take a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. This helps the casserole come out easily. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until it looks nice and frothy. Now, take your loaf of brioche or challah bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Toss these cubes into the greased dish, spreading them out evenly. Carefully pour your egg mixture over the bread, making sure each piece gets soaked. If you want, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a nice crunch. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge. It’s best to let it sit for at least 2 hours or even overnight. This time allows the bread to soak up all that sweet egg mixture. When you are ready to bake, take the dish out of the fridge. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats. Once the oven is hot, place the uncovered casserole inside. Bake it for 45-50 minutes. You want it to be puffed and golden brown on top. If the top browns too fast, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes. After baking, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This helps set it a bit more. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely touch. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries. This adds color and extra flavor, making your dish look as good as it tastes. Enjoy your Classic French Toast Casserole! For the complete recipe, check the section above. Choosing the right bread makes a big difference. I love using brioche or challah. These breads are rich and soft. They soak up the egg mixture well. You want a bread that is not too dry. A fresh loaf works best. If you can, avoid regular sandwich bread. It can get mushy and lose its shape. To get a deeper flavor, use a mix of milk and cream. Whole milk gives a nice base, but heavy cream adds richness. You can also try adding a splash of orange juice or zest. It brightens the dish and adds a nice twist. Don't skip on the spices either. A touch of nutmeg and cinnamon goes a long way. They bring warmth and depth to every bite! One common mistake is not letting the bread soak long enough. If you rush this step, the bread can be too dry. It’s best to let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours or overnight. Another mistake is baking at too high a temperature. Keep your oven at 350°F for even cooking. Lastly, don't forget to cover the casserole. Use foil for the last part of baking to avoid burning the top. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_4}} If you need a nut-free version of this dish, skip the nuts. You can replace them with seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. These add crunch without the nut allergy risk. You can also use oat milk instead of whole milk for a nut-free base. This ensures everyone can enjoy it. To add a sweet twist, you can mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. These ingredients will give a burst of flavor. For a savory twist, try adding cooked bacon or sausage. You can also add cheese, like sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese, for a delightful contrast. Experimenting with flavors can make this dish exciting. You can use different spices like cardamom or ginger for a warm note. Adding orange or lemon zest can brighten the dish. If you enjoy coffee, a splash of brewed coffee in the egg mixture gives a unique kick. Feel free to get creative! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your leftover French toast casserole fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, this method works best. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven for about 20 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. For quicker reheating, you can use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking often, to avoid drying it out. You can freeze this casserole for later use. First, cool it fully, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat. This way, you enjoy a tasty meal anytime! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it the night before and let it chill in the fridge. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture fully. In the morning, just bake it right from the fridge. This saves time and makes breakfast easy. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. You can also try coconut milk for a dairy-free choice. Each option will change the flavor a bit but will still give you a creamy texture. To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap regular bread for gluten-free bread. Look for a gluten-free loaf that is soft and has a similar texture to brioche or challah. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without worrying about gluten. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions and enjoy this tasty dish! Classic French Toast Casserole combines simple ingredients and easy steps for a delicious dish. You can add fun toppings and unique flavors to make it your own. Remember to choose the right bread, and avoid common mistakes for the best outcome. Whether you want a sweet or a savory twist, there are many variations to try. Store leftovers wisely, and you can enjoy it later. With these tips, you’ll create a tasty casserole that impresses at any meal!

Classic French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate brunch treat with this Savory French Toast Casserole Delight! Perfectly baked brioche or challah bread soaked in a creamy custard of eggs, milk, and spices creates a mouthwatering dish that's ideal for gatherings. Top it with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for an exquisite finish. Ready in just one hour, it's a must-try recipe for any occasion. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

1 loaf of rich brioche or fluffy challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

6 large eggs, room temperature

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg)

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 cup pure maple syrup (plus additional for serving)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)

Powdered sugar, for a delicate dusting

Fresh berries (such as juicy strawberries and vibrant blueberries), for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9x13-inch baking dish using butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release.

    In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is homogeneous and slightly frothy.

      Take the cubed bread and evenly distribute it within the prepared baking dish, ensuring all pieces are well spread out. Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread, gently pressing the cubes down with your fingers to aid absorption of the liquid.

        If you choose to add a nutty crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the top of the soaked bread cubes.

          Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. For optimal flavor and texture, let it chill for at least 2 hours or overnight if time permits.

            When ready to bake, retrieve the casserole from the refrigerator, allowing it to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes as the oven continues to preheat.

              Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is puffed and a beautiful golden brown. To avoid too much browning, you can loosely tent the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

                Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before lightly dusting it with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Serve warm alongside a drizzle of maple syrup and a colorful array of fresh berries for a delightful presentation.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10

                    - Serving Suggestions: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist!