Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a decadent twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With a rich custard base soaked into bread and a caramelized sugar topping, this dish offers a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy textures. It’s perfect for a special weekend brunch or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Step 2: Add the cubed bread to the egg mixture, making sure all pieces are fully soaked. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the custard.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with some melted butter.
- Step 4: Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Step 5: Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
- Step 6: For an optional crème brûlée effect, sprinkle a thin layer of brown sugar on top and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until crisp.
- Step 7: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set further.
Tips & Variations
- Use sturdy bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and flavor.
- Add vanilla extract or cinnamon to the egg mixture for extra warmth and aroma.
- For a fruit twist, layer fresh berries or sliced bananas between the bread cubes before soaking.
- Refrigerate the casserole overnight before baking to allow deeper custard absorption.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or bake the whole casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid reheating with the caramelized sugar topping to preserve its texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This allows the bread to soak up more custard, resulting in a richer dish.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Brioche, challah, or other thick, sturdy breads are ideal because they absorb custard well without becoming too soggy.
PrintCrème Brûlée French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast treat that combines the creamy richness of classic crème brûlée with the comforting texture of baked French toast. Layers of bread soaked in a flavorful custard mixture are baked until golden, topped with a caramelized brown sugar crust, creating a perfect blend of soft and crunchy textures that will delight any brunch table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus optional overnight soaking)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread
- 8 cups of brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar for caramelizing
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Place the cubed bread into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure all cubes are soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle an even layer of brown sugar on top of the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown and caramelized.
- Caramelize the Sugar: For an authentic crème brûlée finish, use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the top layer of brown sugar after baking if it hasn’t fully caramelized in the oven. Alternatively, you can broil the casserole under high heat for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Using day-old brioche or challah bread helps the custard soak better without turning mushy.
- Refrigerating overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Be careful when broiling to caramelize sugar to prevent burning.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
Keywords: Crème Brûlée, French Toast Casserole, Breakfast Casserole, Baked French Toast, Brunch Recipe, Holiday Breakfast
