Baked Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, this forms the base of the casserole and soaks up the custard mixture.

Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create the custard base for the casserole.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the casserole structure.

Vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to the dish.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that complements the apples.

Apples: Peeled and sliced, they add a fresh, fruity element to the casserole.

Brown sugar: Sprinkled on top, it caramelizes during baking to create a sweet, crunchy topping.

To ensure your casserole has a rich, custardy texture, allow the bread to soak in the milk mixture for at least 15 minutes before baking. This will help the bread absorb the flavors and moisture, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

• stale bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche adds a rich, buttery flavor and a soft texture, making the casserole more decadent.

• stale bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and has a tender crumb, which complements the sweetness of the dish.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a slightly nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a hint of tropical flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative made from ground flaxseed and water, providing a similar binding effect.

• eggs - Substitute with chia eggs: Chia eggs are another vegan option, made from chia seeds and water, offering a similar texture and binding property.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the overall taste.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a rich, sweet flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon and apples.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warm spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding depth to the flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the apples and other ingredients.

• apples - Substitute with pears: Pears offer a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative to apples.

• apples - Substitute with peaches: Peaches add a juicy, sweet flavor that works well in the casserole.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a caramel-like flavor.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a natural sweetness and a rich, complex flavor.

• Allow the baked apple French toast casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the casserole soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• If you prefer individual servings, cut the casserole into portions and store them in airtight containers. This makes it easier to reheat just the amount you need.

• To freeze, wrap the entire casserole or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the casserole fresh.

• Label the wrapped casserole with the date and contents to keep track of its freshness. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the baked apple French toast casserole.

• Reheat the thawed casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's heated through. If reheating individual portions, you can use a microwave, heating on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.

• For an extra touch of freshness, consider adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. This will enhance the flavors and make the reheated casserole taste just as delightful as when it was freshly baked.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked apple French toast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a crispier top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• 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 slices of the casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place slices of the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove and let it cool slightly before serving.

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

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

• Whisk: Essential for blending the milk mixture smoothly.

• Baking dish: The container where you layer the bread and apple slices and pour the milk mixture over.

• Knife: Used for peeling and slicing the apples.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for peeling and slicing the apples.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and brown sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and cinnamon.

• Spatula: Helpful for spreading and leveling the mixture in the baking dish.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and taking it out.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool evenly after baking.

Use pre-sliced bread: Opt for pre-sliced bread to save time on cutting and ensure even layers.

Prep the night before: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and saves you time in the morning.

Use an apple slicer: An apple slicer can quickly and uniformly slice your apples, cutting down on prep time.

Whisk in a blender: Use a blender to quickly mix the milk mixture for a smoother consistency and faster prep.

Preheat while prepping: Start preheating your oven as you begin your prep work to save time.