Are you searching for the perfect brunch dish that will impress your guests without keeping you in the kitchen for hours?
Look no further than Barefoot Contessa's Baked French Toast Casserole!
In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to create a delicious, indugent dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Baked French Toast Casserole combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a casserole dish.
It's a delightful make-ahead breakfast or brunch option that's both comforting and elegant.
Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, has perfected this recipe, ensuring that every bite is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Let's start with the ingredients you'll need to gather:
For the Casserole:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| French bread | 1 loaf (16 oz) |
| Large eggs | 6 |
| Half-and-half | 2 cups |
| Whole milk | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick), cold and diced |
| Maple syrup, for serving | As desired |
For the Streusel Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened |
| Light brown sugar | 1/3 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/3 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | Pinch |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Casserole:
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Slice the French bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2. Prepare the Custard Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread is soaked.
- Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
3. Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread cubes.
4. Chill Overnight:
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Chilling the casserole allows the flavors to meld and the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with maple syrup on the side, if desired.
Tips and Tricks
Use Stale Bread
Day-old French bread works best for this recipe as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
Customize the Flavors
Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or orange, to add a unique twist to the dish.
Make It Ahead
This casserole can be asembled the night before and baked in the morning, making it perfect for busy mornings or entertaining.
Serve with Fresh Fruit
Garnish the casserole with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a burst of color and freshness.
Freeze Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then slice and freeze individual portions for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch option.
Barefoot Contessa's Baked French Toast Casserole is a brunch masterpiece that's sure to become a favurite in your household.
With its rich custard, crunchy streusel topping, and decadent flavor, it's the perfect dish for any occasion.
Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or simply treating yourself to a special breakfast, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.
Try it out and get ready to indulge in pure brunch bliss!
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