Description
This French Toast Casserole is a perfect brunch dish featuring a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping and a custardy center. Made with chunks of quality bread soaked in an egg and milk mixture, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with dried cranberries and served with maple syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large loaf good-quality French loaf, sourdough, ciabatta, or challah (enough to yield 10 cups of chunks of bread)
- 1/2 cup (45g) chopped pecans
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- Zest from one medium orange (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons (40g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Slice the bread into 1-inch slices, then cut those slices into 1-inch cubes or tear apart with your hands, leaving the crusts on.
- Lightly grease a 2-quart or 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Layer enough bread cubes to cover the bottom, then sprinkle a few tablespoons of pecans over them. Continue layering bread chunks and pecans until all are used.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, orange zest (if using), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread and pecans, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Optionally, cover and refrigerate overnight or proceed to bake immediately.
- In another bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, packed dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread chunks.
- Place the casserole uncovered in an oven preheated to the center rack position and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, usually about 38 minutes, until the top is golden and crunchy to your liking.
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle dried cranberries and sift powdered sugar on top. Serve with maple syrup on the side.
Notes
- Refrigerating overnight enhances the flavors.
- Adjust baking time for desired crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 347
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 200mg