Name: Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes; 8 eggs; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; Topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Looking for a delightful, easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a leisurely brunch or a special breakfast? A French Toast Casserole might just be your new favorite go-to recipe. This dish combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience and crowd-pleasing presentation of a casserole. It's simple enough for any beginner to tackle, yet delicious enough to impress all your guests.

Ingredients and Preparation

To start, gather your ingredients. You'll need:

1 loaf of French bread (about 10 to 12 ounces), cut into cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups of whole milk
½ cup of heavy cream (for a richer taste)
¼ cup of granulated sugar
¼ cup of brown sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of salt
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream

The preparation process is straightforward:

Prep the Bread: Start by lightly greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cubed French bread evenly in the dish.
Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Ensure the mixture is well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are coated evenly. Gently press down with a spatula to help the bread absorb the custard.
Refrigerate: Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive casserole.

Baking and Serving

When you're ready to bake the casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Bake Covered: Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes.
Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Once baked, let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This gives the casserole time to settle, making it easier to cut into portions. Serve warm, topped with powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Why This Recipe Works

This French Toast Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can easily adapt it to include your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand. For example, throw in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor, or substitute the bread type depending on what’s available. Additionally, it's a fantastic option for making ahead, which makes your morning preparations stress-free.

In conclusion, this Easy French Toast Casserole recipe offers a fabulous blend of convenience, comfort, and indulgence. It's the perfect recipe for anyone looking to impress at a brunch without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try this weekend, and watch it become a new family favorite!