Get ready to transform your morning meal into a celebration of flavor and tradition with this mouthwatering Italian Easter Bread Breakfast Casserole! Imagine a dish that combines the rich, comforting texture of custardy bread, the sweetness of raisins, and a festive touch of colorful sprinkles - all baked to golden perfection. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy, making every breakfast feel like a special occasion.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Italian bread, cubed
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup colored sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed Italian bread and raisins. Gently toss to mix them together evenly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread and raisins. Use a spatula or your hands to gently fold the bread into the mixture, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle colored sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the middle and lightly golden on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares.
- Serve warm, optionally dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with syrup if desired. Enjoy your Italian Easter Bread Breakfast Casserole!
Tips
- Choose a day-old Italian bread for best results - slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively.
- Let the bread soak in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of amaretto or using half-and-half instead of milk.
- Don't overmix when folding the bread into the egg mixture - gentle folding prevents breaking the bread cubes.
- To prevent burning, cover the casserole with foil if it's browning too quickly.
- For a more decadent version, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips along with the raisins.
- Serve immediately for the best texture - the casserole is most delicious when it's still warm and slightly puffy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 160mg
