This French Toast Casserole by Joanna Gaines is the best breakfast ever because of the layers of crisp toppings atop the warm, fresh, sweet bread. Make this breakfast casserole the night before for a special occasion like Christmas morning or Mother’s Day brunch.
This recipe is just one variation of French toast, if you’re looking for other French toast recipe ideas check out our French Toast Bread Pudding By Pioneer Woman and Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast recipe.
Why You’ll Love Joanna Gaines French Toast Casserole
- You can prepare this breakfast bake ahead of time for holidays or brunch at home, and then just toss it in the oven when you’re ready to serve it.
- Bring this with you to the holiday party if you want to fulfill your need for something sweet.
- This recipe for French toast can be put together in record time, and the end result will make you appear like a culinary pro.
- Who doesn’t adore a meal that takes next to no time to prepare and then only a short amount of time in the oven?
What Is The Trick To Making Good French Toast
Achieve perfect French toast every time by using thick slices of bread, the right egg mixture, evenly coating the bread, cooking at the right temperature, and serving with toppings like butter, syrup, and fresh fruit. Follow these tips for delicious French toast every time.
What Is The Best Bread To Make French Toast
For the best French toast, use a high-quality, thick-sliced bread such as challah or brioche. These types of bread will absorb the egg mixture well and stay fluffy in the middle, resulting in a delicious and perfect French toast.
Joanna Gaines French Toast Casserole Ingredients
- Crusty French Bread. Use the bread that has the crunchiest texture possible, then cube it into pieces that are 1 inch around. You are free to use whatever sort of bread you choose, including but not limited to sourdough bread, challah bread, brioche bread, french bread, Italian bread, or any other form of bread.
- Eggs. Be careful to use big eggs and give the egg mixture a good whisking before serving.
- Whole Milk. You’re going to want the fat, so don’t be cheap and use the skim version.
- Heavy Cream. To reiterate, all of the greasiness will contribute to the creaminess of your casserole.
- Granulated Sugar. Because it dissolves so rapidly, white sugar is an excellent choice for this particular recipe.
- Light Brown Sugar. Pack your brown sugar in order to guarantee that you have precisely the right amount.
- Vanilla Extract. Take some from the back of the cupboard, or better yet, manufacture your own!
- Cinnamon. This recipe would benefit from the addition of ground cinnamon since it would enhance the flavor and make it more complete.
- Sea Salt. Make sure that it is fine so that it may readily mix in and spread itself in a consistent manner.
- Butter. To facilitate simple mixing, ensure that the unsalted butter you are using has been melted.
- Light Brown Sugar. To ensure that you get the correct quantity, pack it in as tightly as you can in the measuring cup.
- Cinnamon. If you want to be able to sprinkle cinnamon into this topping, you should use ground cinnamon.
- Powdered Sugar. When serving, either use a sifter to distribute the confectioner’s sugar evenly over the casserole or just pour it into a small container and set it aside.
- Syrup. Although I recommend using pure maple syrup, you are free to use any syrup you choose. Before using it, either serve it at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave for just a few seconds.
- Coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside the cubed bread in the baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well blended. It’s fine if some of the cinnamon floats to the top.
- Over the bread cubes, pour the custard. Using a big spoon, push the bread into the custard to soak it up. Place the dish in the fridge to soak for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small mixing dish, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this over the casserole’s top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, covered with tin foil. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Allow it cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving it with powdered sugar and maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.
What To Serve With French Toast Casserole
When serving French Toast Casserole, some popular options include maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, and a side of bacon or sausage. Additional toppings such as whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also be added for extra flavor.
Recipe Variations
There are many variations of French Toast Casserole recipe. Some popular variations include adding different types of bread, such as challah or brioche, incorporating different flavors, such as vanilla or cinnamon, and using different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk.
Some variations also include adding nuts, dried fruits or chocolate chips to the casserole. You can also make it savory by adding cheese, bacon or ham. Experiment with different ingredients and find your favorite French Toast Casserole recipe!
How To Store leftovers French Toast Casserole
Leftover French Toast Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can also store it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave.
It’s also important to note that French Toast Casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place it in a resealable freezer bag. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
How Do You Keep French Toast Casserole From Getting Soggy
Prevent soggy French Toast Casserole by using stale bread, not over-soaking the bread, using a high-quality bread, cooking it just before serving and using a baking dish with good drainage. Try these tips for a crispy, moist and delicious French Toast Casserole every time.
Why Isn’t My French Toast Fluffy
If your French toast isn’t fluffy, there may be a few reasons why. It could be that you’re using the wrong type of bread, such as a soft sandwich bread or that you’re over-soaking the bread in the egg mixture. Another reason could be you’re cooking it on too high heat, which can cause the bread to become too crispy and not fluffy.
Try using thick slices of bread such as challah or brioche, not over-soaking the bread and cooking on medium-low heat for fluffy French toast.
Should You Toast The Bread Before You Make French Toast
It is not necessary to toast the bread before making French toast. In fact, using stale bread or bread that is slightly dried out will absorb the egg mixture better and lead to a fluffier final product. Freshly toasted bread may burn or become too crispy when cooked in the egg mixture.
- Using the wrong type of bread: Soft breads like sandwich bread will result in a soggy French toast. It’s best to use thick slices of bread such as challah or brioche.
- Over-soaking the bread: If the bread is left in the egg mixture for too long, it will become soggy and lose its texture.
- Cooking on too high heat: Cooking French toast on too high heat will cause it to burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside.
- Not seasoning the egg mixture: Not adding sugar, vanilla or cinnamon to the egg mixture, can result in a bland and tasteless French toast.
- Not using enough butter: French toast should be cooked in a generous amount of butter, as it gives it a nice crust, flavor and richness
By avoiding these mistakes, you can make sure that your French toast comes out perfectly every time.
Try More Joanna Gaines Recipes:
Joanna Gaines French Toast Casserole Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
Nutrition Facts Source: Source
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 437
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 11g56%
- Trans Fat 0.6g
- Cholesterol 217mg73%
- Sodium 410mg18%
- Potassium 266mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 53g18%
- Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
- Sugars 34g
- Protein 12g24%
- Vitamin A 16 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 16 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
