Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a decadent twist on a classic breakfast favorite. It combines the rich custard flavor of crème brûlée with the comforting texture of French toast, baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Bread – 6 cups, cubed (preferably thick-cut or brioche)
- Eggs – 6 large
- Milk – 2 cups whole milk
- Brown sugar – ½ cup, packed
- Butter – 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Step 2: Place the cubed bread in a greased baking dish and pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Press down gently to soak the bread well.
- Step 3: Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes, then bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Step 4: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. For an authentic crème brûlée finish, sprinkle sugar on top and torch until caramelized, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old bread for better soaking and texture; brioche or challah adds extra richness.
- For more flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the egg mixture.
- Top with fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup to complement the caramelized sugar.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid storing with the caramelized sugar topping to prevent it from softening.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered. Bake it fresh in the morning for best results.
What bread works best for this casserole?
Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or Texas toast work best as they hold up well to soaking without becoming too soggy.
PrintCrème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe
Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast dish that combines the creamy richness of classic crème brûlée with the comforting heartiness of French toast baked in a casserole. This easy-to-make recipe features bread soaked in a sweet egg and milk mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with a caramelized brown sugar crust, making it a perfect indulgent treat for brunch or special mornings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups of day-old bread, cut into cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and half of the brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are well-soaked. Let the bread absorb the mixture for about 10 minutes so it becomes tender and infused with custard.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter. Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture evenly into the dish, spreading it out to form a uniform layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Caramelize the Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar evenly on top. Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the brown sugar until it melts and forms a crisp, brûlée crust. If you do not have a torch, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This lets the caramelized topping harden and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best soaking results; brioche or challah works wonderfully.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch for caramelizing, the broiler method works well, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- For an extra touch, add vanilla extract or cinnamon to the egg mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, then baked in the morning.
- Adjust brown sugar quantity to your desired sweetness level.
Keywords: Crème Brûlée, French Toast, Casserole, Breakfast, Brunch, Baked French Toast
