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Ultimate French Toast Casserole Recipe Easy Perfect Breakfast with Maple Syrup

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A cozy and indulgent French toast casserole featuring custardy bread soaked in rich eggs and cream, topped with a crunchy buttery streusel, and drizzled with real maple syrup. Perfect for holiday mornings, brunch, or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 12 cups) thick-cut brioche or challah bread, cubed
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Real maple syrup for serving

Instructions

  1. Cube about 12 cups of brioche or challah bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. If bread is fresh, lightly toast cubes in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 8 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Place bread cubes into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour custard mixture evenly over bread, gently pressing down to soak. Let sit at least 15 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight for best texture.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and ½ cup chopped nuts (optional). Pour in ½ cup melted butter and stir until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over soaked bread. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
  6. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with warm real maple syrup.

Notes

Letting the bread soak overnight in the custard improves texture. If streusel browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Use sturdy bread like brioche or challah for best results. Can substitute almond milk and dairy-free butter for dairy-free version. Gluten-free bread can be used for gluten-sensitive diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, breakfast casserole, maple syrup, brioche, challah, holiday breakfast, brunch, easy breakfast, custard, streusel topping

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/ultimate-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-perfect-breakfast-with-maple-syrup/