Decadent Streusel French Toast Casserole
Indulge in a deliciously rich and comforting breakfast with our Decadent Streusel French Toast Casserole. Perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts, this casserole combines classic French toast flavors with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. Prepare it the night before for a hassle-free morning, and delight your loved ones with golden, custardy layers of French bread soaked in a sweet, spiced egg mixture, crowned with a delightful crunch of oats and pecans. This dish is sure to become a weekend favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
4 (whisked)
milk
2 cups (none)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (none)
sugar
1/3 cup (none)
day-old French bread
1 large loaf (cut into 1 1/2 inch slices)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (none)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
flour
1 tablespoon (none)
quick oats
1/3 cup (none)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
chopped pecans
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
2
Pour half of the egg mixture into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3
Slice the day-old French bread into 1 1/2 inch thick slices and arrange them in the pan, ensuring it fills completely and overlaps slightly if necessary.
4
Pour the remaining egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all slices are well-coated.
5
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to absorb the mixture.
6
On the day of serving, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften.
7
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 15 minutes until it's puffed and lightly golden.
8
While the casserole is baking, prepare the streusel topping by mixing together the brown sugar, flour, butter, oats, cinnamon, and chopped pecans until crumbly.
9
After the initial baking, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the streusel mixture generously over the top.
10
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
11
Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Streusel French Toast Casserole?
It is a rich breakfast dish that combines layers of French bread soaked in a sweet, spiced egg custard with a crunchy, buttery oat and pecan streusel topping.
Can I make this French toast casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be prepared the night before and refrigerated, making it perfect for a hassle-free morning.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
Day-old French bread is ideal because it is sturdy enough to absorb the egg mixture without becoming overly mushy.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The bread should be cut into 1 1/2 inch thick slices for the best texture and appearance.
What ingredients are in the streusel topping?
The topping is made from brown sugar, flour, butter, quick oats, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C).
How long does the casserole bake in total?
It bakes for a total of 25 minutes: 15 minutes alone and an additional 10 minutes after the streusel is added.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should use a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Why must the dish sit at room temperature before baking?
Letting it sit for 30 minutes after taking it out of the refrigerator allows the dish to warm slightly, ensuring even baking.
How many eggs are required for the custard?
The recipe calls for 4 whisked eggs.
Can I substitute the pecans in the streusel?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit them entirely if you prefer a nut-free version.
What type of oats should I use for the topping?
The recipe specifies quick oats for the streusel mixture.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract is added to the egg and milk mixture for flavor.
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Day-old bread is preferred for absorption, but you can use fresh bread if you lightly toast the slices first to dry them out.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when it is puffed, lightly golden, and the streusel topping is golden brown and crisp.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk.
Is there cinnamon in the custard base?
Yes, there is 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in the egg mixture and an additional 1/2 teaspoon in the streusel.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 13 x 9 inch baking dish is required.
Can I serve this casserole immediately after baking?
It is recommended to allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving warm.
How do I arrange the bread in the pan?
Arrange the slices in the pan so they fill the dish completely, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
Do I bake the casserole covered or uncovered?
The casserole should be baked uncovered so the top can become golden and the streusel can get crisp.
Can I use a different type of sugar in the custard?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of white sugar in the egg mixture, but you could substitute other sweeteners if desired.
What is the purpose of the salt in the recipe?
The 1/2 teaspoon of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors in the dish.
How is the streusel topping prepared?
Mix brown sugar, flour, butter, oats, cinnamon, and pecans together until the mixture is crumbly.
Should the butter for the streusel be melted?
The ingredient list specifies 1/4 cup of melted butter for the streusel preparation.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
While not in the original instructions, you could easily add berries or sliced fruit between the bread layers.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, it is perfect for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts as it yields a full 13 x 9 inch pan.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in two separate 13 x 9 inch dishes.
What makes the custard 'decadent'?
The combination of four eggs, whole milk, vanilla, and sugar creates a rich, pudding-like consistency inside the bread.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.