French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of this sturdy bread, cut into cubes, forms the base of the casserole.

Eggs: These provide structure and richness to the dish.

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

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

Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the savory elements.

Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Vanilla extract: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor.

When preparing the egg mixture, make sure to whisk it thoroughly until fully combined and smooth. This ensures that the sugars are well-dissolved and the vanilla extract is evenly distributed, resulting in a more consistent flavor throughout the casserole. Additionally, for a richer texture, you can let the bread cubes soak in the mixture for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to absorb more of the custard, making the final dish more moist and flavorful.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, making it an excellent alternative for a more decadent casserole.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and soft, which can add a nice texture and flavor to the dish.

• 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 works well in most recipes, providing a slightly nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free option that has a creamy texture similar to cow's milk.

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

• heavy cream - Substitute with evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is less rich but still provides a creamy texture.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey is a natural sweetener that can add a different depth of flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is another natural sweetener that adds a unique flavor profile.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and is less processed.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple sugar: Maple sugar provides a rich, unique sweetness that complements the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but pleasant flavor that can enhance the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract provides a sweet, rich flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• Allow the French toast casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the casserole to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• For freezing, wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the wrapped casserole with the date to keep track of its freshness. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat from frozen, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
• For a quicker option, individual portions can be reheated directly from frozen in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, reheat the thawed casserole in the oven rather than the microwave. This will help maintain the bread's texture and prevent it from becoming too soft.

• 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 it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or a damp paper towel.
  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 a portion of the French toast casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed through and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. Remove once the French toast casserole is heated through and the top is crispy.

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

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

• Whisk: Used to thoroughly mix the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, and vanilla extract.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and whisk the ingredients together.

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

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract precisely.

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

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut the bread on.

• Spatula: Helps to evenly spread the egg mixture over the bread cubes.

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

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the french bread into cubes and measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugars the night before.

Use a large mixing bowl: Whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together in one go to save time.

Soak overnight: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat while prepping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you assemble the casserole to save time.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.