Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a decadent twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With a creamy custard base and a caramelized sugar topping, it’s perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter.
- Step 2: Layer the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces are soaked.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Step 6: Optional: Sprinkle additional brown sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it for the classic crème brûlée finish.
- Step 7: Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the custard to firm up.
Tips & Variations
- Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture as it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
- Try adding vanilla extract or cinnamon to the egg mixture for extra flavor.
- For a richer custard, replace half the milk with heavy cream.
- Top with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave in short intervals to avoid a soggy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning for the best texture and flavor.
How do I get a crisp, caramelized top?
After baking, sprinkle a thin, even layer of brown sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize it. If you don’t have a torch, broil it briefly watching carefully to prevent burning.
PrintCrème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast treat combining the creamy custard texture of crème brûlée with the comforting layers of French toast, baked to a golden perfection. It’s an ideal dish for brunch or a special morning meal, featuring a rich blend of eggs, milk, and brown sugar that soak into bread slices and form a caramelized, crispy top after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread
- 8–10 slices of day-old bread, preferably brioche or challah
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Extra brown sugar for sprinkling (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the slices of bread evenly in the dish, layering if necessary, to fill the dish fully.
- Mix the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until completely combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread slices, pressing down gently to ensure all bread absorbs the liquid. Let the mixture soak for about 10 minutes to saturate the bread thoroughly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Dot the top of the soaked bread with small pieces of butter and sprinkle additional brown sugar evenly over the surface. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden and caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling helps the custard set further and develops the signature crème brûlée texture.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard mixture.
- Ensure the casserole is baked until just set to maintain a creamy center.
- Optionally, you can torch the top with a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar further, mimicking traditional crème brûlée.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: Crème Brûlée French Toast, baked French toast casserole, brunch casserole, sweet breakfast casserole, caramelized French toast
