French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: Provides the base for the casserole, offering a sturdy texture that soaks up the custard mixture.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and create a rich, custardy texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create the custard.

Heavy cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the custard.

Sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture.

Brown sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.

Flour: Used in the topping to create a crumbly texture.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the topping.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy topping.

To ensure your French toast casserole has a perfectly crispy top, make sure to cut the butter into small, uniform pieces before incorporating it into the flour mixture. This will help distribute the butter evenly, creating a consistent crumb texture. Additionally, let the bread cubes soak in the egg mixture overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard. This will result in a richer, more flavorful dish.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it an excellent alternative for a more decadent casserole.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a soft texture, which works well in absorbing the custard mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that provides a similar consistency and mild flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a rich, dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can be used in place of sugar, though it will add a distinct flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used as a 1:1 substitute.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the casserole.

• flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free option that adds a nutty flavor and works well in the topping.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used for a different kind of sweetness and adds a unique flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral flavor.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that can be used in the same quantity.

• To store your French toast casserole, allow it to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• For freezing, first let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into individual servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to enjoy a frozen portion, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes.

• If you prefer to reheat the entire casserole, cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp up.

• To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid freezing the casserole with the topping already added. Instead, prepare and add the topping fresh before reheating. This ensures a delightful, crunchy finish.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it's evenly warmed.

• If you prefer a crispier texture, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the French toast casserole on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the inside is warm.

• For an extra touch, reheat individual servings in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter over medium heat and add a slice of the casserole. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast casserole in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming. This method will give you a nice, crispy top.

• Baking dish: A 9x13 inch dish to hold the bread cubes and the egg mixture.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, and vanilla.

• Whisk: To thoroughly combine the wet ingredients.

• Plastic wrap: To cover the baking dish while it refrigerates.

• Medium bowl: To mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping.

• Pastry cutter: To cut the butter into the dry topping ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the casserole.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the milk, heavy cream, sugars, and flour.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Knife: To cut the butter into pieces.

• Cutting board: To cut the loaf of French bread into cubes.

• Spatula: To help spread the topping evenly over the bread mixture.

• Oven mitts: To safely remove the hot baking dish from the oven.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cube the french bread and mix the egg mixture the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-cut bread: Buy pre-cubed bread to eliminate the need for cutting.

Mix topping in advance: Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter ahead of time and store in the fridge.

Use a food processor: Quickly cut in the butter for the topping using a food processor.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while you assemble the casserole to save time.