Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole
A delicious and easy Barefoot Contessa baked French toast casserole recipe that will make your mornings special. With its creamy custard-like texture, sweet cinnamon flavor, and easy preparation, this casserole is perfect for a special occasion breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread about 1 pound, sliced into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- Butter for greasing the dish
- Maple syrup for serving
- Fresh fruit for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Add the bread cubes to the dish, spreading them out evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy.
- Add the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg to the eggs and mix until everything is well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to cover all the pieces evenly.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap from the dish and bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until it's puffed and golden brown.
Notes
- Experiment with different flavorings and spices to make the casserole your own. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or allspice for a warm and cozy flavor. Or, stir in some vanilla extract or almond extract for a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Make sure to soak the bread in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes, or even overnight, so that it has time to absorb the flavors and become tender.
- The casserole should be baked until it's golden brown and slightly puffed. This will ensure that it's fully cooked and has a crispy texture on top.