Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole is a custardy and sweet recipe, which is made with French bread and a simple cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch, ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole Ingredients
Simple, classic ingredients for an easy and impressive breakfast.
- 5 cups French bread cubes (preferably day-old)
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup white sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How To Make Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole
A step-by-step guide to this easy, make-ahead breakfast bake.
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Assemble the Casserole: Place the French bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared pan. In a large bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes, stirring gently to make sure all the bread is coated. Dot the top with small pieces of the softened butter. Let the casserole stand for 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Add Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with the cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake and Serve: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Recipe Tips
For the most delicious and perfectly textured French toast casserole.
- What’s the best bread to use? Day-old, sturdy bread is essential for a French toast casserole. Fresh, soft bread will turn to mush. A crusty French bread, challah, or brioche will all yield a fantastic texture that’s soft and custardy on the inside but sturdy enough to hold up.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making the night before. Assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.
- How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is cooked through when the center is set and no longer liquidy. You can test it by gently pressing on the center—it should spring back—or by inserting a knife into the middle, which should come out clean.
- Can I add other flavorings? Yes, feel free to customize it! You could add a pinch of nutmeg to the custard, or stir in some fresh berries or chopped pecans with the bread cubes for extra flavor and texture.
What To Serve With French Toast Casserole
Classic breakfast toppings to complete your meal.
This sweet and satisfying casserole is a wonderful breakfast or brunch centerpiece. It’s delicious served with:
- A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A side of fresh fruit salad or berries
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links
How To Store French Toast Casserole
Keeping your delicious leftovers fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: For the best texture, reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help to re-crisp the top. You can also use the microwave for a quicker, softer result.
Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 14 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
My casserole is soggy in the middle. What did I do wrong?
A soggy center usually means the casserole was under-baked. It needs to cook long enough for the egg custard to set completely. It can also happen if you use a very soft, fresh bread instead of a sturdier, day-old bread.
Can I use a different kind of milk?
Yes. Whole milk will provide a rich result. You can also use a mixture of milk and heavy cream for an even more decadent, custardy casserole.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time should remain roughly the same, but it’s always a good idea to check for doneness with a knife in the center.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman American Flag Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Texas Sheet Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting Recipe
Pioneer Woman French Toast Casserole Recipe
Description
An easy, make-ahead French Toast Casserole with a rich, custardy center and a sweet, crispy cinnamon-sugar topping, perfect for a stress-free weekend breakfast or holiday brunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8-inch pan.
- Place the bread cubes in the bottom of the pan.
- In a bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, 2 tbsp of sugar, salt, and vanilla.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and stir to coat. Dot the top with butter. Let stand for 15 minutes.
- Combine the remaining 2 tbsp of sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm with maple syrup.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing day-old, sturdy bread like French bread, challah, or brioche is key to preventing a soggy casserole.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is the perfect overnight breakfast! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge in the morning.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor a richer custard, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eReheat leftovers in the oven to restore the crispy top.u003c/liu003e
