What kind of bread is best for French toast casserole?

Any kind of thick, quality bread. Soft sandwich bread is not recommended.

How should I store French toast casserole?

I recommend covering tightly and placing in the fridge, where it will keep for up to three days.

What do you serve with French toast?

The options are endless! I think this recipe pairs well with a serving of fresh fruit, cooked bacon or sausage, scrambled eggs or even an omelet stuffed with your favorite toppings.

Why did my French toast come out soggy?

This is usually an issue with the kind of bread you used. Flimsy store-bought sandwich bread simply can't soak up enough of the custard mixture, leaving a soggy mess. Instead, use quality bread like homemade sourdough, Italian bread, etc.

Easy Overnight Sourdough French Toast Casserole

Description

This easy and delicious sourdough French toast casserole makes the perfect Christmas morning breakfast… or any morning for that matter! Homemade sourdough bread is covered in a cinnamon and vanilla custard and then refrigerated overnight. Once you're ready to bake, top it with a brown sugar crumble and bake until golden brown and bubbly.

Ingredients

Scale

French Toast Casserole

1 loaf sourdough bread (sliced or cubed into 1 inch slices)
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups milk
6 large eggs
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Crumble Topping

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick butter, grated

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Instructions

Begin by lightly greasing a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with 1 tbsp softened butter or nonstick spray. Slice sourdough bread into slices, about 1 inch thick. Begin lining them along the bottom of the pan, overlapping them as you make more rows. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk together well and then evenly pour the mixture over the bread.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight.
The next morning, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pull the casserole out of the fridge and allow it to sit on the counter while the oven preheats.
Make the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Using a cheese grater, grate 1 stick of cold butter over the top of the mixture. Begin incorporating the butter into the sugar and flour mixture until crumbly. Evenly spread over the top of the casserole before placing in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown on the top and the eggs are set.
Let cool slightly in the pan before slicing and serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!
Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Overnight is best. Assemble the bread and custard layers and let it sit overnight in the fridge before baking. This time gives the crusty bread a chance to soak up the vanilla and cinnamon spiced egg custard.

Quality bread. Since bread is the main ingredient in any French toast casserole, be sure not to skimp on the quality! Flimsy bread is usually the culprit to soggy French toast.

Keep an eye on it! If you find the top of the casserole is browning too quickly in the oven, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to keep it from burning.

Cube instead of slice. You can always cut the bread into cubes rather than slicing, if you prefer.

Prep Time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast Recipes
Cuisine: American