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Toast Casserole Recipe

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3.8 from 6 reviews

This delicious and comforting Toast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. Featuring cubes of sourdough bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, cream, and vanilla, it is topped with a sweet, crumbly cinnamon-brown sugar streusel. Refrigerated overnight to meld the flavors and achieve perfect custardy softness, it bakes until golden and irresistible. Ideal for feeding a crowd, this easy casserole combines creamy texture with a delightful crunchy topping for ultimate morning indulgence.

  • Total Time: 5 hours (includes chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 (24-ounce) loaf sourdough bread (or brioche, challah, or French bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup sugar

Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and scatter them evenly in a greased 9-x-13-inch baking dish to create the base layer.
  2. Make the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugar until thoroughly combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
  3. Chill Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
  4. Prepare the Topping: In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into this dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fingers until the texture becomes crumbly. Transfer the topping to a small resealable plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.
  5. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, remove the casserole and topping from the refrigerator, and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  6. Add Topping: Unwrap the baking dish and evenly sprinkle the prepared crumbly topping over the soaked bread custard.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. Baking time depends on your preferred softness; towards the shorter time for a softer custard, longer for a firmer set and golden topping.

Notes

  • Using sourdough imparts a slight tang, but brioche or challah will offer a richer, sweeter base.
  • Make sure the butter is cold when cutting it into the topping to achieve a crumbly texture.
  • The soaking time can be extended overnight for best results; the bread will absorb more custard and improve texture.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives.
  • Serve warm with maple syrup or fresh fruits for an extra special touch.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/toast-casserole-recipe/