Transport yourself to a cozy small town morning with this delicious Small Town French Toast Casserole. Perfect for cherished occasions like Christmas breakfast or a leisurely holiday brunch, this heartwarming dish encapsulates the flavors of traditional French toast in a convenient, crowd-pleasing casserole.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread (16 ounces), cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 9 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions:
- Begin by evenly spreading the cubed French bread in a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a spacious bowl, whisk together the large eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Pour this delectable egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they soak up the custard by gently pressing them down with a spatula.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a pastry knife to cut in the cold butter until the mixture turns crumbly. Store this delightful topping in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- About 40 minutes prior to baking, remove the casserole from the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature. Just before baking, sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the casserole.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bake the casserole uncovered for 50-60 minutes, or until it is set, puffy, and adorned with a glorious golden brown hue.
Conclusion:
This Small Town French Toast Casserole combines the charm of a small town morning with the convenience of a make-ahead dish. Whether it’s a special Christmas gathering or a relaxed holiday brunch with loved ones, the inviting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla will create cherished memories around the breakfast table. Enjoy the simplicity of small-town life and the warmth of a comforting breakfast tradition with this delightful casserole.
SOURCE OF THE PICTURE : small town woman
