11 french toast casseroles

Volume I

Classic Vanilla Bean French Toast Casserole

This classic vanilla bean french toast casserole is the ultimate comfort food for a weekend breakfast. It features a rich egg custard infused with aromatic vanilla seeds and a touch of nutmeg. The overnight soaking process ensures that every piece of bread becomes soft and flavorful throughout.

Ingredients

◆1 pound loaf of Challah or Brioche bread
◆8 large eggs
◆2 cups whole milk
◆1/2 cup heavy cream
◆1/2 cup granulated sugar
◆1 vanilla bean, split and seeded
◆1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
◆1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
◆1/2 teaspoon salt
◆2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

Step 1
1. Begin by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly with the softened butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2
2. Slice the bread into 1-inch thick cubes and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well combined and slightly frothy.
Step 4
4. Add the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the eggs, whisking until the sugar has dissolved.
Step 5
5. Slowly pour the liquid custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to saturate every single piece of bread.
Step 6
6. Press down on the bread gently with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Step 7
7. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best texture.
Step 8
8. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and remove the plastic wrap from the dish.
Step 9
9. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center of the casserole feels set and springy.
Step 10
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving with warm maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Blueberry Cream Cheese French Toast Bake

This indulgent casserole is packed with layers of creamy cheese and tart blueberries. It offers a beautiful contrast between the soft bread and the firm berries. It is a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for spring brunches or holiday mornings.

Ingredients

◆1 loaf French bread, cubed
◆8 ounces cream cheese, softened
◆1 cup fresh blueberries
◆8 eggs
◆2 cups milk
◆1/3 cup maple syrup
◆1 teaspoon vanilla extract
◆1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1
1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2
2. Place half of the bread cubes into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.
Step 3
3. Cut the softened cream cheese into small cubes and scatter them over the bread, followed by the fresh blueberries.
Step 4
4. Top the cheese and berries with the remaining bread cubes.
Step 5
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
Step 6
6. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread layers, ensuring the top cubes are well-coated.
Step 7
7. Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 8
8. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 9
9. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes until golden.
Step 10
10. Allow the bake to cool slightly so the cheese sets before slicing and serving.

Cinnamon Apple Pecan Casserole

Warm cinnamon and sautéed apples come together in this hearty breakfast casserole that tastes like autumn. The addition of toasted pecans adds a satisfying crunch to the soft, custard-soaked brioche bread. Serving this dish warm with a bit of whipped cream makes it a truly decadent treat for any guest.

Ingredients

◆12 cups brioche bread cubes
◆4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
◆1 cup chopped pecans
◆8 large eggs
◆2.5 cups half-and-half
◆3/4 cup brown sugar
◆2 teaspoons cinnamon
◆1 teaspoon vanilla
◆1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large baking dish.
Step 2
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced apples with a tablespoon of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 3
3. Place half of the bread cubes in the baking dish, then layer the sautéed apples and half of the pecans on top.
Step 4
4. Add the remaining bread cubes as a final layer.
Step 5
5. Whisk the eggs, half-and-half, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in a bowl until the sugar is incorporated.
Step 6
6. Pour the mixture over the bread and apples, then sprinkle the remaining pecans on top.
Step 7
7. Let the dish sit for 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
Step 8
8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is crunchy and the apples are tender.
Step 9
9. If the pecans begin to brown too quickly, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 10
10. Serve warm, ideally with a drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup.

Pumpkin Spice Brioche French Toast

Embrace the flavors of fall with this pumpkin spice french toast casserole made with real pumpkin puree. It is seasoned with a blend of ginger, cloves, and cinnamon to create a deeply spiced and aromatic breakfast. This recipe is a wonderful way to use up seasonal ingredients and feed a large group of people easily.

Ingredients

◆1 large loaf brioche, cubed
◆6 large eggs
◆1.5 cups whole milk
◆1 cup pumpkin puree
◆1/2 cup brown sugar
◆1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
◆1 teaspoon vanilla extract
◆Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1
1. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish and fill it with the brioche bread cubes.
Step 2
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt.
Step 3
3. Whisk the liquid mixture vigorously until the pumpkin is fully integrated and no lumps remain.
Step 4
4. Pour the pumpkin custard over the bread cubes, using a spoon to push the bread down so it is fully submerged.
Step 5
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a denser texture.
Step 6
6. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7
7. Bake the casserole for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set and no longer liquid.
Step 8
8. The top should be slightly toasted and fragrant from the spices.
Step 9
9. Let it stand for 10 minutes to allow the custard to firm up.
Step 10
10. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Strawberry Mascarpone French Toast Bake

This elegant casserole uses creamy mascarpone cheese and fresh sliced strawberries for a sophisticated breakfast experience. The mild sweetness of the cheese perfectly complements the natural tartness of the berries. It is a visually stunning dish that looks beautiful on any brunch spread or garden party table.

Ingredients

◆1 pound sourdough bread, cubed
◆2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
◆8 ounces mascarpone cheese
◆6 large eggs
◆2 cups milk
◆1/2 cup granulated sugar
◆1 teaspoon vanilla extract
◆Zest of one lemon

Instructions

Step 1
1. Lightly grease a baking dish and place half of the sourdough cubes inside.
Step 2
2. Scatter the sliced strawberries over the bread cubes evenly.
Step 3
3. Drop small dollops of mascarpone cheese over the strawberries.
Step 4
4. Cover with the remaining bread cubes.
Step 5
5. Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest in a separate bowl.
Step 6
6. Pour the egg mixture over the layers, making sure the bread is well-saturated.
Step 7
7. Refrigerate the covered dish for at least 3 hours.
Step 8
8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 9
9. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and the cheese has softened into the bread.
Step 10
10. Garnish with a few extra fresh strawberry slices before serving.

Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole

Inspired by the classic New Orleans dessert, this casserole features caramelized bananas and a hint of dark rum extract. The brown sugar glaze creates a sticky, delicious topping that pairs perfectly with the soft interior. It is a rich and indulgent breakfast that will satisfy any sweet tooth during a special celebration.

Ingredients

◆1 loaf French bread, cubed
◆4 ripe bananas, sliced
◆1/2 cup butter, melted
◆1 cup brown sugar
◆1 teaspoon rum extract
◆6 eggs
◆2 cups milk
◆1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1
1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Step 2
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and rum extract together.
Step 3
3. Pour half of this sugar mixture into the bottom of the baking pan.
Step 4
4. Arrange half of the bread cubes over the sugar mixture, then top with the sliced bananas.
Step 5
5. Add the rest of the bread cubes on top of the bananas.
Step 6
6. Whisk eggs, milk, and cinnamon together, then pour over the bread.
Step 7
7. Drizzle the remaining sugar mixture over the very top of the casserole.
Step 8
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 9
9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Step 10
10. Serve warm, ensuring you scoop some of the syrupy sauce from the bottom onto each plate.

Mixed Berry French Toast Casserole

A medley of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries makes this mixed berry casserole a vibrant and healthy-ish breakfast option. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the maple syrup used in the custard base. It is a versatile recipe that can be made with frozen berries if fresh ones are not in season.

Ingredients

◆12 cups cubed Italian bread
◆2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
◆8 eggs
◆2 cups whole milk
◆1/2 cup maple syrup
◆1 teaspoon vanilla
◆1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1
1. Grease a large casserole dish and spread the bread cubes inside.
Step 2
2. Sprinkle the mixed berries over the bread, tucking some into the gaps.
Step 3
3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Step 4
4. Pour the custard over the bread and berries.
Step 5
5. Press the bread down to ensure it is soaking up the liquid.
Step 6
6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Step 7
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 8
8. Remove the cover and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
Step 9
9. The casserole is done when the edges are crisp and the center is firm.
Step 10
10. Serve with additional fresh berries on top for extra color.

Maple Pecan French Toast Casserole

This maple pecan french toast casserole is a nutty and sweet dish that highlights the natural flavors of high-quality maple syrup. The buttery pecan topping adds a fantastic crunch that contrasts beautifully with the custardy bread. It is a simple yet effective recipe that focuses on traditional breakfast flavors everyone loves.

Ingredients

◆1 loaf brioche bread, cubed
◆1 cup pecans, chopped
◆1/2 cup butter, softened
◆1/2 cup maple syrup
◆8 eggs
◆2 cups half-and-half
◆1 teaspoon vanilla
◆1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions

Step 1
1. Butter a baking dish and add the bread cubes.
Step 2
2. In a small bowl, mash the softened butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans together to make a crumble.
Step 3
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, maple syrup, and vanilla.
Step 4
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes.
Step 5
5. Evenly distribute the pecan crumble over the top of the soaked bread.
Step 6
6. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Step 7
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 8
8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the pecan topping is bubbly and browned.
Step 9
9. Let it rest for a few minutes so the syrup thickens.
Step 10
10. Serve with extra maple syrup on the side.

Peach Cobbler French Toast Bake

Celebrate summer with this peach cobbler-inspired french toast bake that uses juicy, ripe peaches. The bread is soaked in a cinnamon custard and topped with a crumbly streusel for extra texture. This dish is best enjoyed while peaches are at their peak sweetness during the warmer months of the year.

Ingredients

◆1 loaf French bread, cubed
◆3 cups sliced peaches (fresh or frozen)
◆6 eggs
◆2 cups milk
◆1/2 cup sugar
◆1 teaspoon cinnamon
◆1/2 cup flour
◆1/4 cup cold butter

Instructions

Step 1
1. Grease a 9x13 inch pan and add the bread cubes.
Step 2
2. Spread the sliced peaches over the bread.
Step 3
3. Whisk eggs, milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon together.
Step 4
4. Pour this custard over the bread and peaches.
Step 5
5. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, remaining sugar, remaining cinnamon, and cold butter with a fork until crumbly.
Step 6
6. Sprinkle this streusel topping over the casserole.
Step 7
7. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Step 8
8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 9
9. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the peaches are bubbling and the topping is golden.
Step 10
10. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or ice cream.

Chocolate Raspberry French Toast Casserole

For the chocolate lovers, this casserole combines decadent dark chocolate chips with tart red raspberries. The chocolate melts into the bread as it bakes, creating a rich and gooey texture in every bite. It is a luxurious breakfast choice that could easily double as a dessert for a special brunch.

Ingredients

◆1 loaf challah bread, cubed
◆1 cup fresh raspberries
◆1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
◆6 eggs
◆2 cups whole milk
◆1/4 cup cocoa powder
◆1/2 cup sugar
◆1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Step 1
1. Grease your baking dish and fill with the cubed bread.
Step 2
2. Scatter the raspberries and chocolate chips throughout the bread cubes.
Step 3
3. Whisk the eggs, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla together until the cocoa is fully dissolved.
Step 4
4. Pour the chocolate custard over the bread, ensuring total coverage.
Step 5
5. Let the dish sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Step 6
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7
7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
Step 8
8. The chocolate chips should be melted and the raspberries soft.
Step 9
9. Dust with a little powdered sugar for contrast.
Step 10
10. Serve immediately while the chocolate is still gooey.

Lemon Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Zesty lemon zest and fresh blueberries give this casserole a bright and refreshing flavor profile. The citrus helps to cut through the richness of the eggs and cream, making it feel lighter than traditional bakes. This recipe is perfect for an outdoor breakfast on a sunny spring or summer day.

Ingredients

◆1 loaf brioche, cubed
◆1.5 cups blueberries
◆Zest of 2 lemons
◆2 tablespoons lemon juice
◆8 eggs
◆2 cups milk
◆1/2 cup sugar
◆1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Step 1
1. Grease a baking dish and add the bread cubes and blueberries.
Step 2
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Step 3
3. Pour the lemon custard over the bread.
Step 4
4. Toss gently to distribute the zest and berries.
Step 5
5. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Step 6
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7
7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until puffed and golden.
Step 8
8. The lemon aroma should be prominent.
Step 9
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 10
10. Serve with a light lemon glaze or maple syrup.

Cranberry Orange French Toast Casserole

This festive cranberry orange casserole is a holiday staple featuring tart cranberries and citrusy orange zest. The combination of flavors is both nostalgic and refreshing, making it a hit at Christmas or Thanksgiving breakfasts. It is finished with a light orange glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness and shine.

Ingredients

◆1 loaf French bread, cubed
◆1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
◆Zest of 1 large orange
◆1/2 cup orange juice
◆6 eggs
◆1.5 cups milk
◆1/2 cup brown sugar
◆1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1
1. Butter a 9x13 inch dish and add the bread cubes.
Step 2
2. Sprinkle cranberries and orange zest over the bread.
Step 3
3. Whisk eggs, milk, orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon together.
Step 4
4. Pour the liquid over the bread and fruit.
Step 5
5. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the flavors meld.
Step 6
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7
7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the cranberries have popped and the top is crisp.
Step 8
8. If using fresh cranberries, they will add a lovely tart burst.
Step 9
9. Prepare a simple glaze with powdered sugar and orange juice to drizzle over the top.
Step 10
10. Serve warm for a festive holiday treat.

11 french toast casseroles