French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread cut into cubes provides the base for the casserole, offering a sturdy texture that soaks up the custard mixture beautifully.

Eggs: Eggs are crucial for creating the custard mixture that binds the bread together and gives the casserole its rich, creamy texture.

Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps to create the custard mixture that soaks into the bread.

Heavy cream: Heavy cream adds richness and a luxurious texture to the custard mixture.

Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the custard mixture.

Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to both the custard mixture and the crumble topping.

Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the casserole with its warm, sweet aroma.

Flour: Flour is used in the crumble topping to create a slightly crispy texture.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy note to the crumble topping.

Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Butter: Cold butter is cut into the crumble topping mixture to create a delicious, buttery texture.

For a richer flavor, try using brioche or challah instead of french bread. These types of bread are slightly sweeter and more tender, which can elevate the overall taste and texture of your french toast casserole.

• 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 soft, 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 still provides a creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a neutral flavor and creamy consistency, making it a good non-dairy substitute.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is rich and thick, providing a similar texture and richness.

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is less rich but still provides a creamy texture.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a slight floral note.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a unique flavor and natural sweetness.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is less processed.

• brown sugar - Substitute with date sugar: Date sugar is made from dried dates and adds a natural sweetness with a hint of caramel.

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

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a unique, sweet flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour is gluten-free and adds a nutty flavor.

• flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour is a good gluten-free alternative that provides a similar texture.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the dish.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding a more complex flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can enhance the overall taste.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that provides a similar texture.

• butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a slight coconut flavor.

• Allow the French toast casserole to cool completely after baking. This ensures that it sets properly and maintains its texture.
• Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep it fresh and prevents it from drying out.
• For short-term storage, place the covered dish in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, consider freezing. Cut the casserole into individual portions for easier reheating.
• Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• To maintain the crispy topping, consider reheating uncovered in the oven for the last few minutes.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French toast casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
• If you prefer a crispy top, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is warm.
• For an extra touch of decadence, reheat the French toast casserole on the stovetop. Melt a bit of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add a portion of the casserole, and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until heated through and slightly crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking dish: The container in which the bread and egg mixture are baked.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly mixing the wet ingredients together.

• Knife: Needed to cut the loaf of French bread into cubes.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the bread.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk, heavy cream, and sugars accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.

• Spatula: Helps to press down the bread cubes to ensure they soak up the egg mixture.

• Small bowl: Used to mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping.

• Pastry cutter: Useful for cutting the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cube the french bread and measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugars the night before to save time in the morning.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for the topping by pulsing them in a food processor.

Soak overnight: Assemble the bread cubes and egg mixture in the baking dish the night before and let it soak in the fridge. This will save time and enhance flavor.

Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven as soon as you start assembling the casserole to ensure it's ready to go when you are.