Wake Up to Heavenly Brunch: Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole That Will Change Your Mornings

Indulge in the heavenly aroma of freshly baked French toast without the morning hustle! Our make ahead French toast casserole is a culinary masterpiece that will revolutionize your breakfast routine. Prepare this delectable dish the night before and wake up to a warm, comforting, and effortlessly delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (1 lb) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread Cubes: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine the Bread and Wet Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients over the bread cubes and stir gently until all the bread is soaked.
4. Add the Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the casserole and stir to distribute.
5. Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the casserole and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Serve Warm: Serve the make ahead French toast casserole warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Benefits of Make Ahead French Toast Casserole

• Convenience: Prepare it the night before and enjoy a hassle-free breakfast the next morning.
• Time-Saver: No more scrambling to make breakfast on busy mornings.
• Flavorful: The overnight soak allows the bread to absorb the flavors, resulting in a burst of sweetness and spices in every bite.
• Versatile: Top it with your favorite fruits, nuts, or syrups to customize it to your taste buds.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

Variations

• Savory Casserole: Omit the sugar and spices. Add cooked bacon, sausage, or vegetables for a hearty breakfast option.
• Fruit-Filled Casserole: Add fresh or frozen fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, or bananas, to the casserole before baking.
• Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in chocolate chips into the casserole for a sweet and indulgent treat.
• Pumpkin Spice Delight: Add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a fall-inspired twist.

Toppings and Accompaniments

• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruit (berries, bananas, strawberries)
• Nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• Powdered sugar
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture

Tips for Perfect Make Ahead French Toast Casserole

• Use stale French bread for a firmer texture.
• Don’t overmix the bread cubes and wet ingredients, as this can result in a soggy casserole.
• Let the casserole come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
• If you don’t have a large casserole dish, divide the mixture between two smaller dishes.
• Make a double batch and freeze one for later. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What to Serve with Make Ahead French Toast Casserole

• Scrambled eggs
• Bacon or sausage
• Hash browns
• Fruit salad
• Mimosas or orange juice

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of bread?
A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, such as brioche, challah, or Texas toast.

Q: How long can I refrigerate the casserole before baking?
A: The casserole can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Q: Can I freeze the make ahead French toast casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: How do I reheat the casserole?
A: You can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Q: Can I make the casserole ahead of time and assemble it in the morning?
A: Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients the night before and assemble the casserole in the morning. Refrigerate the assembled casserole until ready to bake.

Q: What is the best way to store the leftover casserole?
A: Store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.