Prepare this indulgent French toast casserole the night before for an easy, sweet baked breakfast or brunch the next morning.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:50 min
Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Yield:10 servings
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 loaf (1 pound) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the granulated sugar and cinnamon until coated.
Spread half of the coated bread cubes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
Drizzle half of the melted butter over the bread layer.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Pour half of the egg mixture evenly over the bread layer.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread cubes, melted butter, and egg mixture.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove the plastic wrap.
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until puffed, golden brown, and the center is set.
While the casserole bakes, prepare the glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach a drizzling consistency.
Let the baked casserole cool for 10 minutes before drizzling the cream cheese glaze over the top. Serve warm.
Notes
Use slightly stale bread for the best texture; it absorbs the custard better.
If the top browns too quickly during baking, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes.
You can substitute brioche with thick-cut Texas toast or French bread.