Description
A delightful French Toast Bake Casserole that combines the rich flavors of sourdough bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture, topped with a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for an indulgent breakfast or brunch, this make-ahead dish is refrigerated overnight and baked to golden perfection, then finished with a sweet glaze and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 loaf sourdough bread (or French Baguette)
Egg Mixture
- 8 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (cold and cut into small pieces)
Glaze & Garnish
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more, as needed)
- 1 cup strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Arrange Bread: Cut the sourdough bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
- Prepare Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Chill Topping: Transfer the crumb topping to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate it overnight alongside the casserole.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Add Topping: Remove the crumb topping from the fridge and sprinkle it evenly over the soaked bread in the baking pan.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 45 to 60 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set, adjusting baking time based on your desired softness.
- Remove and Cool: Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk, adding more milk if needed, to create a smooth drizzle consistency.
- Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle the glaze over the warm casserole, garnish with fresh strawberries, and serve.
Notes
- Using stale bread enhances the texture as it absorbs the custard better without becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of glaze milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives for a lactose-free version.
- Fresh berries are optional but add a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
