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Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe with Cinnamon Streusel Topping

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A warm, comforting French toast casserole with a crispy cinnamon streusel topping, perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts or brunches. This recipe is quick, easy, and uses simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Optional add-ins for serving: maple syrup or honey, fresh berries or sliced bananas, powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Cut day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk or half-and-half, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth, about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour custard mixture over bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces soak through. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and cut into mixture with a pastry cutter or forks until crumbly but holds together when squeezed. Stir in nuts if using.
  5. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over soaked bread and custard.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until custard is set and topping is golden and crisp. Test doneness with a knife inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
  7. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Use day-old sturdy bread like brioche or challah for best custard absorption without mushiness. Keep butter cold when making streusel to ensure crumbly texture. You can prepare the casserole the night before by assembling bread and custard and refrigerating; add streusel topping before baking. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly. Let casserole rest after baking for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, cinnamon streusel, breakfast casserole, easy brunch recipe, cinnamon breakfast, baked French toast

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