Name: Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 16 oz 1 loaf of brioche bread, cut into cubes; 6 large large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping); Fresh berries; whipped cream; maple syrup; powdered sugar

Pin2

Vote

When it comes to breakfast or brunch, few things can compete with the luxurious creamy indulgence of Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole. Imagine layers of soft, sweet brioche bread soaked in a rich custard, topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar layer that gives that satisfying crack when you dig in with your spoon. It’s truly a treat for the senses! A little fun fact: this decadent dish is inspired by the classic French dessert—crème brûlée—but it’s breakfast-ified for family gatherings. It’s as simple to make as it is to devour, making it perfect for busy mornings or leisurely winter evenings. If you’ve ever enjoyed a heartwarming breakfast recipe like classic French toast, get ready to fall in love all over again with this easily adaptable casserole dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What is Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole?

You might be wondering, what exactly is Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole? Is it breakfast or dessert? The truth is, it’s a delightful mash-up of both! Imagine classic French toast, but instead of the usual flat slices, you have layers of brioche soaked and baked in a creamy custard. And let’s not forget that irresistible brûlée topping! You know what they say: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So why not impress your family with a dish that embodies that sentiment? With all its delightful textures and flavors, this casserole is sure to win over everyone’s hearts. Why wait? Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!

Why You’ll Love This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a showstopper at any breakfast table! First, this main dish shines with its luxurious blend of flavors and textures—imagine soft custardy bread contrasting with a crunchy, caramelized top. Next, making it at home is a cost-saving alternative to dining out, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors for a fraction of the price. Finally, the options for toppings can be as abundant as your creativity allows! Whether you prefer fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup, each bite is a palette of flavors waiting to be discovered. It’s like having all the best breakfast foods rolled into one. So gather your family and get ready to enjoy an unforgettable meal together!

How to Make Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Quick Overview

Crafting this delightful Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is as satisfying as it is easy! With melt-in-your-mouth textures and a perfectly sweet flavor, it’s bound to become a family favorite. You can prepare this dish in advance, allowing the bread to soak overnight, and it takes just about 10 minutes of active preparation time, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings. Now, let’s get to the good stuff!

Key Ingredients for Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

To create this delectable casserole, gather the following ingredients:

1 loaf of brioche bread (about 16 oz), cut into cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups of whole milk
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of brown sugar (for topping)
Optional toppings: Fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Bread: Place the cube of brioche bread into the prepared baking dish, distributing it evenly.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all the pieces are well soaked. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s all covered.
Chill (Optional): For the best results, cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully.
Bake: When you’re ready, sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top of the casserole and bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and caramelized.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your choice of toppings!

Top Tips for Perfecting Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Bread Selection: While brioche gives the best flavor, feel free to substitute with challah or even a loaf of French bread if needed.
Custard Absorption: Letting the mixture rest overnight gives the bread ample time to soak up the custard, resulting in a richer flavor.
Avoiding Over-baking: Keep an eye on the casserole around the 30-minute mark to prevent it from drying out. The top should be golden and bubbly!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your leftover Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole fresh, allow it to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat the portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it stays moist and delicious. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to a month, but remember to adjust your reheating time to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.

So there you have it! This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is sure to become a staple in your breakfast or brunch repertoire. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dish any day of the week and impress your family with your culinary skills! Happy cooking!