Save A warm, comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread, baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.
The first time I made French Toast Bake, the aroma filled the house and everyone woke up excited to dig in. It quickly became our go-to dish for holiday mornings and cozy weekends.
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Ingredients
- Bread: 1 loaf (about 400 g) day-old bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- Custard: 6 large eggs, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt
- Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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Instructions
- Prepare dish:
- Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Make custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Soak bread:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Create topping:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
Save I made this French Toast Bake with my kids and they loved mixing the custard and sprinkling cinnamon over the bread. It was a fun family moment from start to finish.
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Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh berries, breakfast sausages, or a simple fruit salad to balance every bite.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Each serving contains about 320 calories, 13 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Save 
This French Toast Bake is a family favorite that brings comfort and warmth to any breakfast table. It is perfect for sharing on weekends and celebrations.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy, but slightly stale fresh bread can also be used.
- → How long should the casserole soak before baking?
Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes helps the custard fully soak into the bread; overnight soaking yields the best texture.
- → What bread types are ideal for this dish?
Rich breads like brioche or challah provide a tender crumb and absorb custard nicely, enhancing flavor and texture.
- → Can I add nuts to the topping?
Yes, adding pecans or walnuts gives a pleasant crunch and nutty contrast to the soft custard and sweet topping.
- → Are dairy-free alternatives suitable?
Using plant-based milk and cream alternatives works well, though it may slightly alter taste and texture.
