Brioche French Toast Casserole
Brioche French Toast Casserole is a delicious and indulgent twist on the classic French toast. This dish features soft, buttery brioche bread soaked in a rich custard, then baked until golden and crispy on top. The result is a warm, comforting breakfast or brunch option that combines the best of both a baked dessert and a savory breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- cooking spray
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
- 1½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 (16-oz.) day-old brioche loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that everything is ready for assembly, and the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking the casserole to golden perfection.
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly. This creates a sweet, spiced crumble topping that will add a delicious, crunchy texture to the casserole once baked.
- Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon until well blended. Add the cubed brioche to the milk mixture and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated, though the mixture won’t fully absorb into the bread. This ensures the brioche is soaked in the custard, creating a rich and flavorful base for the casserole.
- Pour the soaked brioche mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle evenly with granulated sugar. This step adds a touch of sweetness to the top, helping to create a crisp, caramelized finish as the casserole bakes.
- Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top of the bread mixture. Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature, giving the flavors a chance to meld and ensuring the sugar mixture evenly distributes before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is set, golden brown, and puffy. Once done, remove from the oven and serve immediately, drizzling with extra maple syrup for added sweetness and flavor. This ensures the casserole is warm, perfectly risen, and ready to enjoy right away.