Caramelized French Toast Casserole
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Caramelized French Toast Casserole, perfect for breakfast gatherings or weekend brunches. This make-ahead dish combines layers of soft, buttery French bread soaked in a rich, sweet custard. The magic happens overnight in the refrigerator; as it rests, the bread absorbs the creamy mixture, ensuring it’s perfectly fluffy and flavorful. In the morning, simply bake it to golden perfection and flip it over to reveal a luscious layer of caramel that will impress your guests. Serve with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar for a decadent start to your day!
4
Servings
550
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
maple syrup
2 tablespoons (pure maple syrup)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
eggs
6 (large, beaten)
milk
1 cup (whole or your choice of milk)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure vanilla extract)
salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (kosher or sea salt)
French bread
1 loaf (thickly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then let it boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
2
Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the caramel mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3
Slice the French bread into thick pieces and arrange a single layer over the caramel mixture in the baking dish.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the slices of bread, ensuring they are well soaked.
5
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
6
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and place the baking dish in the oven.
7
Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
8
To serve, carefully invert the casserole onto a large serving platter, allowing the caramel layer to flow over the top. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
72.5g
Carbs
11.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caramelized French Toast Casserole?
It is a decadent breakfast dish featuring thick slices of French bread soaked in a rich egg custard, baked over a homemade caramel layer and inverted for serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this a make-ahead recipe?
Yes, the casserole needs to be refrigerated overnight to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
What type of bread is best for this casserole?
A single loaf of French bread, sliced into thick pieces, is recommended for this recipe.
How long should the bread soak in the refrigerator?
The bread should be covered and refrigerated overnight for optimal flavor and texture.
What temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The casserole should bake for approximately 45 minutes.
What ingredients make up the caramel layer?
The caramel layer is made from butter, pure maple syrup, and packed brown sugar.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
What kind of maple syrup should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
How much brown sugar is used in the caramel?
One cup of packed brown sugar is used to create the caramel base.
How many eggs are required for the custard mixture?
The custard is made using 6 large, beaten eggs.
What kind of milk can be used in the custard?
You can use 1 cup of whole milk or any milk of your choice.
How much vanilla extract is added?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of kosher or sea salt.
How do I prepare the caramel mixture?
Combine butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and stir constantly for 1 minute.
What size baking dish is needed?
A greased 9x13-inch baking dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Should the bread be arranged in a specific way?
The bread should be arranged in a single layer over the caramel mixture.
How do I ensure the bread is well soaked?
Whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt together and pour the mixture evenly over all slices of bread.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
How do you serve the Caramelized French Toast Casserole?
Carefully invert the casserole onto a large serving platter so the caramel layer flows over the top.
What are the total calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 27.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
Each serving contains 72.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this casserole provide?
One serving provides 11.5 grams of protein.
What are some suggested toppings?
It is delicious when served with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Is the baking dish covered while in the oven?
No, you should remove the plastic wrap before placing the dish in the oven to bake.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine butter, maple syrup, and brown sugar in a saucepan and bring them to a boil.
Why is refrigeration important for this recipe?
Refrigeration allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid custard, ensuring a fluffy interior.
Is this recipe suitable for a brunch party?
Yes, its make-ahead nature and impressive presentation make it ideal for brunch gatherings.