Description
Wake up to a warm, cozy breakfast that feels special but is incredibly easy to make. This French Toast Bake Casserole is soft in the center, golden on top, and filled with rich cinnamon-vanilla flavor, making it one of the best breakfast ideas for holidays, brunch, or a relaxing weekend morning. It is a quick breakfast prep option when assembled ahead, and it works beautifully as an easy recipe for family gatherings, breakfast ideas for guests, and comforting food ideas everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
maple syrup for serving
powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cut the bread into cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
7. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
8. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
9. Serve warm with maple syrup and powdered sugar.
Notes
Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
For deeper flavor, assemble the casserole the night before and bake it the next morning.
Add berries, chopped pecans, or a cinnamon sugar topping if you want extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 205mg
Keywords: French Toast Bake Casserole, breakfast casserole, easy breakfast, brunch casserole, make ahead breakfast, quick breakfast, breakfast ideas, easy recipe, food ideas