Description
A comforting baked breakfast casserole made with custard-soaked French bread, warm cinnamon, and vanilla. Perfect for brunch gatherings and served warm with maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the custard.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight so the bread fully absorbs the mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
- If using pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the top and drizzle the melted butter over the casserole.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard more effectively.
- The casserole can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning for an easy brunch.
- Substitute walnuts or omit nuts entirely if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ chilling time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
