Brioche French Toast Casserole:

Immediate Answer: Brioche French Toast Casserole is a rich and fluffy breakfast dish that combines day-old brioche bread with a creamy custard and a sweet cinnamon crumble topping. Perfect for family gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare and offers a delightful start to your day. Indulge in this comforting treat that everyone will love!

Picture this: It’s a lazy Sunday morning, and you’re greeted by the inviting smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your home. You wander into the kitchen to find a beautiful Brioche French Toast Casserole bubbling in the oven, golden brown and topped with a crunchy, sweet crumble. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family gatherings, brunches with friends, or a special treat for yourself.

This casserole combines the rich, fluffy texture of brioche with a sweet cinnamon strudel topping, making it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time enjoying breakfast and less time in the kitchen. In this article, you’ll discover the ins and outs of making this delightful breakfast casserole, along with tips, variations, and everything you need to create a memorable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to whip up this delicious casserole.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a large family or hosting a brunch, this dish will impress everyone at the table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your preferred fruits, nuts, or spices to make it unique.
• Comfort Food: There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, sweet breakfast that feels like a treat.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Brioche French Toast Casserole
Description: A delicious breakfast casserole made with brioche bread, eggs, and a cinnamon crumble topping, perfect for special occasions.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Servings: 12
Calories: 320

Ingredients List:

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 6 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons of high-quality maple syrup, plus extra for topping.
• One 16-oz. loaf of stale brioche, cut into cubes measuring 1 inch.
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. First: warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C).This initial step is essential for achieving a perfectly cooked casserole, as a well-heated oven ensures even baking. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking dish. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking. This will also simplify cleanup later, allowing you to focus on enjoying your delicious creation.
2. Make the Cinnamon Crumble: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients together until they form a crumbly texture resembling coarse crumbs. This crumble will provide a sweet, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft custard beneath. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the custard.
3. Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 6 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon. This custard mixture is vital for soaking the brioche, creating a rich and flavorful base. Whisk completely to make sure all components are evenly combined.
4. Soak the Brioche: Cut your day-old brioche loaf into 1-inch cubes. Add these cubes to the custard mixture, gently tossing to ensure every piece is coated. Allow the brioche to soak for a few moments so it absorbs the custard, achieving a moist and flavorful consistency.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the soaked brioche mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar over the top, enhancing the sweetness and helping to create a caramelized crust.
6. Top with Crumble: Finally, evenly distribute the cinnamon crumble over the soaked brioche, ensuring a delightful crunch on top. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld before baking.
7. Bake: Put the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch closely; it’s ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Serve: After removing it from the oven, give the casserole a few minutes to cool.Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness. Savor this delightful dish together with family and friends!

Notes:

• Slightly stale brioche works best for soaking up the milk mixture. If you have fresh brioche, you can dry it out in the oven at 175°F for about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Key Takeaways

• Easy to Make: This dish is simple and straightforward, perfect for any skill level.
• Deliciously Rich: The combination of brioche, eggs, and cream creates a luxurious texture.
• Adaptable: Feel free to personalize it with your favorite ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for gatherings and special occasions.

How to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the culinary adventure of making Brioche French Toast Casserole, it’s essential to gather all your ingredients. Having everything organized and ready to go will streamline the cooking process, making it not only more efficient but also more enjoyable. Take a moment to measure out your ingredients: brown sugar, flour, unsalted butter, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, whole milk, heavy cream, large eggs, maple syrup, granulated sugar, and a day-old brioche loaf. This prep work minimizes distractions and helps you maintain focus, allowing you to fully embrace the joy of cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Crumble

Next, turn your attention to the delightful cinnamon crumble that will crown your casserole. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Using a fork, blend these ingredients together until the mixture reaches a crumbly consistency. This crumble will create a sweet, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft, custardy bread below. Once fully mixed, set the crumble aside as you move on to the custard preparation.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

Now, it’s time to prepare the custard that will soak into the brioche. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 6 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. This creamy concoction forms the base of your casserole, providing rich flavor and moisture. Whisking the ingredients thoroughly ensures that the eggs are well incorporated, resulting in a smooth mixture. The combination of milk and cream creates a luxurious custard that enhances the brioche’s flavor profile.

Step 4: Cube the Brioche

With your custard ready, it’s time to prepare the brioche. Take your day-old brioche loaf and cut it into 1-inch cubes. The size of the cubes is crucial; they need to be small enough to soak up the custard but large enough to hold their shape during baking. Day-old bread is ideal for this recipe, as it’s slightly stale and better suited for soaking. Fresh brioche may become too soggy, so using bread that has had some time to dry out will yield the best results.

Step 5: Combine and Transfer

Once your brioche is cubed, toss the pieces into the custard mixture, ensuring each cube is well-coated. This step is vital as it allows the custard to penetrate each piece of bread, resulting in a creamy texture after baking. After thoroughly mixing, transfer all of the soaked brioche cubes into your prepared baking dish. Distribute them evenly to ensure even cooking.. To finish, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar over the top, followed by the cinnamon crumble. This final touch will add sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step 6: Let It Rest

After assembling your casserole, it’s important to let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the brioche cubes to absorb even more of the custard mixture, ensuring that every bite is rich and flavorful. It also helps the casserole set slightly before going into the oven, resulting in a better texture. Use this time to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready when you finish.

Step 7: Bake

Once your casserole has rested, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; you’ll know it’s done when the top is puffed and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that the custard has set perfectly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be nothing short of heavenly, making the wait even more exciting.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

After baking, allow your casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting time allows the flavors to settle in. When you’re ready to serve, dish out portions while still warm and drizzle additional maple syrup on top for that extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat with friends and family, and savor every delicious bite!

Expert Tips for Success

• Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale brioche absorbs the custard better, resulting in a more flavorful casserole. If you forget to leave your bread out, you can dry it in the oven.
• Allow for Soaking: Letting the casserole sit before baking ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your casserole to prevent over-baking.

Variations and Customizations

• Add Fruits: Incorporate fresh or frozen fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or bananas for added flavor and nutrition.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can enhance the texture and add a delightful crunch.
• Flavor Twists: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Brioche French Toast Casserole with crispy bacon, sausage, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast. A dollop of yogurt on the side can also add a refreshing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the egg and milk mixture ahead of time. Simply combine the ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. Additionally, the cinnamon crumble can also be made in advance. Once mixed, store it at room temperature for up to two days. This allows you to save time on the day of serving and makes it easier to enjoy a delicious breakfast without much hassle.

What are the signs that the casserole is ready?
Determining when your casserole is perfectly baked is straightforward. It should appear puffed and have a golden-brown top. For a precise check, insert a toothpick into the center of the casserole; it should come out clean if the dish is fully cooked. This ensures that the custard has set properly, giving you that rich, creamy texture you desire.

Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, freezing is a great option for meal prep! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking it. To do this, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I customize the flavors?
Definitely! This casserole is very versatile. You can enhance its flavor by adding fruits like berries or bananas, nuts for added crunch, or experimenting with different spices such as nutmeg or vanilla to create your unique version.

What type of bread works best?
Day-old brioche is the best choice for this recipe, as it absorbs the custard beautifully. However, you can also use challah or any other soft bread if brioche isn’t available.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, if you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular bread and flour with gluten-free varieties. This lets everyone savor this tasty dish.

How should I serve it?
For the best experience, serve the casserole warm, drizzling maple syrup over the top. Pair it with your favorite breakfast sides, like crispy bacon or fresh fruit, for a well-rounded meal.

How long will leftovers last?
Refrigerate leftovers for no more than three days. Simply reheat as needed, making it a convenient option for quick breakfasts!

The Brioche French Toast Casserole is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth and joy to any breakfast table. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and try this delicious dish—you’ll be glad you did!

Key Takeaways

• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this casserole a breeze to prepare.
• Deliciously Rich: The combination of brioche, eggs, and cream creates a flavorful breakfast.
• Versatile: Customize it with your favorite ingredients.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for gatherings and special occasions.

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