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Easy Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Weekend Mornings

easy cinnamon french toast casserole - featured image

A cozy and soul-soothing cinnamon French toast casserole that is quick to prepare and perfect for weekend mornings or holiday brunches. It features a cinnamon-spiced custard soaked into buttery brioche bread, baked to a golden, crispy top and tender inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups cubed day-old brioche or challah bread
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups of day-old brioche or challah bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. If bread is fresh, toast lightly for 5 minutes at 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth.
  3. Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread and gently fold to coat all pieces evenly. Let sit for at least 10 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Transfer soaked bread mixture to the dish and spread evenly.
  5. Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter over the top. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until top is puffed, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with optional toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or nuts.

Notes

Use day-old or lightly toasted bread to prevent sogginess. For best texture and flavor, soak overnight. Tent with foil if top browns too fast. Variations include vegan substitutions, fruit additions, and gluten-free bread options.

Nutrition

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