Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

a slice of brioche french toast on a plate, topped with cut strawberries and being drizzled with syrup (square image)

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Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

This is an incredibly simple French Toast Casserole that takes only about 15 minutes to assemble. What makes it unique is that you keep the brioche bread in full slices, which gives it an elegant look AND saves time - no need to slice the bread into cubes. While the custard for the casserole is simple and not sweet, the dish gets a flavorful, crunchy finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top. It’s not overly sweet, so it’s perfectly ready to be served with maple syrup, just like traditional French toast.

Prep Time20

Cook Time35

Total Time55

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Keyword: baked breakfast recipe, breakfast, breakfast casserole, brunch, easy brunch recipe, French toast, make ahead, party and entertaining

Servings:

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $8.00

Equipment

9x13 Baking Pan
Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

1 loaf sliced brioche bread (about 16 ounces total)
10 large eggs
1 pint half and half (1 pint = 2 cups / 16 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Maple syrup, butter, and / or fresh berries for serving

Instructions

Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Lay the brioche bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly so they are distributed evenly and evenly fill the entire pan.
Whisk together the eggs, half and half, salt, and vanilla. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread.
Using a large serving spoon, the flat side of a measuring cup, or a large piece of parchment paper, firmly press down on the bread to fully soak it in the egg mixture. (Note: This step is important to make sure that the custard soaks into every slice of bread; don’t rush it.)
If you’re not ready to bake the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. If you think of it, press down on the plastic wrap once or twice while it’s in the fridge to just encourage the custard to keep soaking evenly into all of the bread slices.
When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Brush or drizzle melted butter over the top of the casserole.
Combine the sugar and cinnamon and evenly dust the top of the casserole with cinnamon sugar.
Bake, uncovered, until the top is golden brown and crisp, 35 to 40 minutes.
Slice and serve while the casserole is still warm.

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