French Toast Bake

Introduction

French Toast Bake is a simple, delicious way to serve breakfast to a crowd. It combines the rich flavors of classic French toast with the convenience of a casserole. This baked dish is perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or holiday mornings. The best part is, it can be made ahead of time, making breakfast preparation a breeze. With a base of crusty bread soaked in a creamy, sweet custard and topped with a buttery crumble, this casserole straddles the line between breakfast and dessert in the most scrumptious way.

Ingredients

For the French Toast:

• Butter, for greasing and serving
• 1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread
• 8 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• Warm syrup, for serving
• 1 cup fresh blueberries, for serving (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

1. Prepare the French Toast:
   • Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan with butter. Tear the loaf of bread into chunks or cut it into cubes and evenly distribute them in the pan.
   • In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk together with the milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread in the pan.
   • Cover the pan tightly and store it in the fridge until needed (preferably overnight), or bake it immediately if desired.
2. Make the Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, use a fork to mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and a bit of freshly grated nutmeg if desired.
   • Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter to combine the mixture until it resembles coarse pebbles. Store this mixture in a plastic bag in the fridge until ready to use.
3. Bake the Casserole:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the bread.
   • Bake for 45 minutes for a softer, bread-pudding-like texture, or up to 1 hour for a firmer, crisper texture.
4. Serve:
   • Scoop out individual portions and top with butter. Drizzle with warm syrup and sprinkle with fresh blueberries if desired.

Conclusion

This French Toast Bake is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, offering the sweet, custardy flavor of classic French toast in a fuss-free casserole form. The buttery streusel topping adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Make it ahead for an effortless morning, and pair it with fruit or bacon for a well-rounded meal. Whether you serve it for breakfast or brunch, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!