French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread, cut into cubes, provides the perfect texture for soaking up the custard mixture.

Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and create a rich, custardy base.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps to 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 is used in both the custard and the topping.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the custard.

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 overall flavor.

Butter: Cold and cut into pieces, it is used in the topping to create a buttery, crumbly texture.

When preparing the topping mixture for the French toast casserole, ensure that the butter is very cold. This will help create a crumbly texture that will bake into a deliciously crisp topping. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the flour and brown sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor contrast in the final dish.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche has a similar texture and richness, making it an excellent alternative for a soft and flavorful casserole.

• 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 offers a rich, creamy texture and is a great dairy-free alternative.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile, making it a healthier alternative.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is a more natural sweetener.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor that can add a unique twist to the dish.

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

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a distinct flavor that complements the dish well.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that can serve as an alternative to cinnamon.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

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

• Allow the French toast casserole to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
• For long-term storage, cut the cooled casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
• To maintain the casserole's texture, avoid reheating multiple times. Only reheat the amount you plan to consume.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, consider reheating in the oven rather than the microwave. This helps maintain the delightful crunch of the cinnamon and brown sugar topping.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover French toast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from becoming too dry.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to crisp up the top layer.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the French toast casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe cover or another microwave-safe plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue to microwave in 30-second increments until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the French toast casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid to help retain moisture.
  5. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
  4. If needed, heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy on top.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the French toast casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Baking dish: A 9x13 inch dish to hold and bake the casserole.

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

• Whisk: Essential for blending the wet ingredients smoothly.

• Plastic wrap: To cover the baking dish while refrigerating the mixture.

• Refrigerator: Needed to chill the casserole mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight.

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

• Small bowl: For mixing the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping.

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

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

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

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

• Cutting board: A surface to safely cut the bread on.

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

• Cooling rack: To let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the bread into cubes and mix the egg mixture the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-made bread: Opt for store-bought french bread to skip the baking step.

Quick topping: Prepare the topping mixture in advance and store it in the fridge.

Refrigerate overnight: Let the casserole soak overnight to enhance flavor and save morning prep time.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while you assemble the final steps to streamline the process.