French Toast Casserole

Servings: 8-10 | Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration) | Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients

Casserole

• 1 loaf thick-cut brioche or challah bread (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp. salt
• Butter for greasing the pan

Streusel Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole (Night Before)

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish generously with butter.
2. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press the bread down gently with a spatula so it absorbs the liquid.
5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).

Make the Streusel and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven heats.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole.
4. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean).
5. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.