Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Casserole Recipe

Bread: The base of the casserole, preferably day-old to better absorb the egg mixture.

Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the dish.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create the custard-like consistency.

Heavy cream: Enhances the richness and creaminess of the casserole.

Sugar: Sweetens the dish and balances the flavors.

Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the casserole with a fragrant, sweet aroma.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden, crispy top.

To ensure your cinnamon swirl French toast casserole has a perfect texture, use day-old bread or slightly stale bread. Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked in the egg mixture. Additionally, after pouring the egg mixture over the bread cubes, gently press down with a spatula to help the bread absorb the liquid evenly. This will result in a more cohesive and flavorful casserole.

• loaf preferably day-old bread - Substitute with brioche or challah: These types of bread are rich and absorb the custard mixture well, making for a deliciously soft and flavorful casserole.

• 6 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 together.

• 2 cups milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that still provides a creamy texture.

• ½ cup heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a rich, dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• ½ cup sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• 2 teaspoon cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: This blend includes cinnamon along with other warm spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but equally delightful flavor profile.

• ¼ teaspoon salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral taste.

• ½ cup melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in baking.

• To store your cinnamon swirl French toast casserole, first allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make the bread soggy.
• Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
• Place the covered casserole in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Cut it into individual portions or keep it whole, depending on your preference. Wrap each portion or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the wrapped casserole with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy the frozen casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, you can use the microwave for a quicker option.
• 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 it 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 cinnamon swirl 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 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want a slightly crispy top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals 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 slices of the casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place pieces of the casserole in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If necessary, flip the pieces to ensure both sides are warmed and slightly crispy.

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

• Baking dish: Holds the bread and egg mixture while baking.

• Butter or non-stick spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

• Knife: Used to cut the bread into cubes.

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

• Whisk: Used to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk, heavy cream, and sugar accurately.

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

• Small saucepan: Used to melt the butter.

• Drizzle spoon: Used to drizzle the melted butter over the bread mixture.

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

Use pre-cut bread: Save time by using pre-cut bread cubes instead of cutting a loaf yourself.

Mix ingredients in advance: Whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt the night before and store in the fridge.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Use a blender: Blend the egg mixture in a blender for a smoother consistency and faster prep.

Pre-grease the dish: Grease the baking dish ahead of time to save a step during assembly.