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A delicious plate of Easy French Toast Casserole

Easy French Toast Casserole

This easy French Toast Casserole is perfect for weekend mornings. Prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a delicious breakfast treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chill Time 8 hours
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 709
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread and Nuts
  • 1000 g cubed French bread about 1 large loaf (or sourdough or ciabatta)
  • 75 g chopped pecans or other nuts
Custard
  • 5 pieces eggs
  • 354 ml milk
  • 55 g sugar
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp salt
Topping
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.125 tsp salt

Equipment

  • 9x13 Baking Dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C / gas 5. Slice your bread into 1-inch cubes, leaving the crust on.
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Add about half of the bread cubes in an even layer on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the pecans on the top of the bread. Repeat with the remaining bread and pecans.
  3. In a small bowl, make the custard. Start by whisking the eggs together, then whisk in the milk, sugar, orange zest, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1⁄4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Pour evenly over the bread.
  4. In another small bowl, make the topping by combining together the butter and brown sugar, then stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1⁄8 teaspoon of salt. Drizzle evenly over the bread.
  5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top of the casserole is browned. Some of the tallest bread chunks will turn dark brown and all of the bread should be baked and crispy.
  6. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with maple syrup and powdered sugar on top, if desired.

Notes

Select a sturdy bread like French, sourdough, or ciabatta. Slightly stale or day-old bread works best, as it can absorb the custard without becoming too mushy. You can prepare this casserole the night before and let it soak overnight for a more flavorful dish. Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added decadence.