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Best French Toast Casserole

Best French Toast Casserole
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This Best French Toast Casserole is a rich, comforting breakfast that’s perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort. It’s an easy overnight casserole that can be fully prepared ahead of time, then baked fresh in the morning. Made with thick Texas toast, a buttery brown sugar base, and a warmly spiced custard, this dish turns out soft, custardy, and caramelized on the bottom—exactly how a great French toast casserole should be.

Ingredients

Scale

Casserole

  • ½ cup salted butter, melted (1 stick)

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

  • 1 loaf Texas Toast (fresh, not frozen)

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1½ cups milk (whole or low-fat)

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings

  • Powdered sugar

  • Real maple syrup

  • Fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the custard
    In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until fully combined. Set aside.

  2. Make the caramel base
    Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each.
    Stir in the brown sugar until smooth.
    Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish using a rubber spatula.

  3. First bread layer
    Arrange a single layer of Texas toast (about 6 slices) over the butter mixture, trimming pieces as needed to fit.
    Slowly brush about 1 cup of the egg mixture over the bread, making sure to saturate the edges evenly.

  4. Add cinnamon sugar
    Sprinkle most of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the bread, reserving about 2 teaspoons for the top.

  5. Second layer
    Add a second layer of bread using the remaining slices.
    Slowly brush the remaining egg mixture over the bread, again focusing on the edges.
    Finish with the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture.

  6. Chill
    Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, or until the custard has fully soaked into the bread.

  7. Bake
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack in the lower-middle position.
    Let the casserole rest at room temperature while the oven preheats.
    Bake for 40–45 minutes, covered for the first 30 minutes, then uncovered for the remaining time.

  8. Serve
    Scoop carefully to get all the caramelized goodness from the bottom.
    Serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries if desired.

Notes

  • Go slow with the custard: Brushing instead of pouring ensures even soaking and prevents soggy bottoms.

  • Use thick bread: Texas toast or brioche works best for structure and texture.

  • Overnight soak = best flavor: The longer rest allows the custard to fully absorb.

  • No overnight time? Let it soak at room temperature for at least 35 minutes before baking.

  • Reheating leftovers: Reheat in the oven for the best texture rather than the microwave.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/best-french-toast-casserole/