Indulge in the ultimate breakfast delight with our Baked French Toast Casserole with Streusel! This delectable dish combines the comforting flavors of French toast with a crunchy, sweet topping, making it the perfect centerpiece for your brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. Imagine waking up to the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. With just a little preparation, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that serves eight and will have your guests begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your breakfast game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by generously greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, white sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all bread pieces are saturated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) about 30 minutes before you plan to bake.
- For the streusel topping, combine brown sugar, flour, and cold cubed butter in a separate bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- If using, fold chopped nuts into the streusel mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: For the best flavor, prepare the casserole the night before and let it soak in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a richer taste.
- Choosing Bread: Use a high-quality French bread for the best texture. Day-old bread works wonderfully, as it’s a bit drier and will soak up the custard better.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the streusel! Add spices like nutmeg or even a hint of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. You can also mix in dried fruits or chocolate chips for added flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time. It should be golden brown on top and slightly jiggly in the center. If it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your casserole warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup. Fresh berries or whipped cream make delightful additions for a touch of elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 160mg
