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Crispy Stale Bread French Toast Casserole

crispy stale bread french toast casserole - featured image
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A cozy and comforting French toast casserole that rescues stale bread, featuring a crispy top and soft, custardy inside. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday breakfasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups cubed stale bread (French baguette or country loaf preferred)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Optional toppings: toasted chopped pecans or walnuts, maple syrup or honey, fresh berries or sliced bananas

Instructions

  1. Cube about 6 cups (around 12 ounces / 340 grams) of stale bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and slightly frothy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Pour the custard evenly over the cubed bread. Gently press the bread down to soak up the custard well. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Remove foil and bake the casserole covered for 25 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  8. Optional: Just before serving, sprinkle toasted nuts, drizzle maple syrup or honey, or add fresh fruit.

Notes

Soak bread for at least 1 hour or overnight for best custard absorption. Baking covered first locks in moisture, then uncovering crisps the top. Use stale bread for best texture. Adjust baking time if bread is over-soaked to avoid sogginess. Optional toppings add flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, stale bread recipe, breakfast casserole, easy brunch recipe, cozy breakfast, leftover bread recipe

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