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Cozy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe (Easy & Best)

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This cozy baked French toast casserole with maple syrup is a warm hug on a plate—soft, custardy in the middle with perfectly caramelized edges, all swimming in a pool of maple syrup. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holiday mornings, lazy weekends, or any time you need a little comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 450g) day-old brioche or challah bread
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (30g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cut the day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. Spread the cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy. Pour in the 1/2 cup of maple syrup and whisk again.
  3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down, ensuring every piece gets soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
  4. The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes. Dot the top with the melted butter and sprinkle on the chopped nuts and extra brown sugar if using.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).
  6. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup and serve immediately.

Notes

Day-old bread is non-negotiable for best texture. If using fresh bread, cube it and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry it out. For a richer flavor, let the casserole soak for 12 hours. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked French toast casserole, overnight French toast, maple syrup, breakfast casserole, holiday breakfast, easy brunch recipe

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/cozy-baked-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-and-best/