How to Bake a French Toast Casserole

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This French toast casserole is a decadent make-ahead classic… and delicious spin on the much-loved French toast breakfast. Leave it plain, as the recipe dictates, or throw in fresh fruit, chocolate, nuts and other additions to give it a complex layer of dimension. Either way – it is delicious!

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Image Credit: Thalia Ho

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Things You'll Need

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter,

  • 3/4 cup + 1/2 cup light brown sugar

  • 6 eggs

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon brandy, Kahlua or rum (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg

  • 1 loaf of bread, such as brioche, challah, sourdough, white or raisin bread - cut into 1/2 inch / 1.5 centimeter slices

  • 1/2 cup walnuts, or other additions of choice

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by preparing your ingredients and buttering a 9 x 13 inch / 22 x 33 centimeter baking dish. Set the dish aside.

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Image Credit: Thalia Ho

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sugar

In a medium sized saucepan, melt together the butter and 3/4 of the brown sugar until dissolved over medium heat. Spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

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Image Credit: Thalia Ho

Step 3: Whisk the Liquid Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, vanilla and liqueur, if using. Set aside.

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Image Credit: Thalia Ho

Step 4: Make the Sugared Topping

In a small bowl, combine the remaining brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.

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Step 5: Layer in the Bread

In your prepared baking dish, line a layer of your desired French toast bread.

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Image Credit: Thalia Ho

Step 6: Add the Liquid Ingredients

Pour over the egg mixture.

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Step 7: Add in Extras (If Using)

Sprinkle with the nuts followed by the brown sugar mixture then let stand to absorb for 1 hour or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

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Step 8: Bake

When you are ready to bake, uncover and preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit / 170 Celsius and bake until puffed and golden, roughly 35 to 45 minutes.

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Step 9: Let Cool

Let the casserole cool for 15 minutes before eating. It is best served warm and can be frozen in an air-tight container for up to a month.

Image Credit: Thalia Ho

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