French Toast Casserole

Here is my go to breakfast dish!

This is a pretty easy recipe to follow! I'm fairly confident that if I can do it, anyone can. *fingers crossed*

When we moved back to Ohio and closer to family, my husband decided he wanted to do breakfast every Saturday morning..... every Saturday. We've pretty much stuck to it, with the exception of being out of town a couple times. Even when we've had some exhausting weeks, he always looks forward to making breakfast for everyone! We typically have an assortment of breakfast foods we rotate through. Waffles, fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, juice, donuts, french toast, pancakes and occasionally my favorite.... mimosas! No matter how stressful or busy everyone's week has been, we know it's a chance to enjoy everyone's company without having to put on a show.

Over the last couple weeks, I have been perfecting my French Toast Casserole. Winter is a time of comfort (foods) and I have gotten rave reviews over this dish so I want to share it with you! Whether you have a MOPs group to attend or family brunch, everyone will love this dish. I mean who doesn't love french toast?!

Most of you will have these items in your house to start with, so no running to a specialty store to find some rare ingredient no one has ever heard of. That is the worst. I also hate finding a "great" recipe on Pinterest only to find out that it's impossible to make.

HOW TO MAKE OVERNIGHT FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

• Lightly grease 9x13 baking dish. You can either use butter or Pam cooking spray.
• Cube 1 loaf of bread into 1 inch cubes and place into baking dish.
• Whisk together eggs, milk, syrup, vanilla, salt and cinnamon. 
• Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread. Make sure all the bread is soaked.
• Cover and chill overnight or at least 4-6 hours.
• Next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
• While oven is preheating, take out dish and bring to room temperature. 
• Mix topping and place over entire casserole.
• Cover casserole with foil and bake 25-30 minutes.
• Then remove foil and bake additional 15-20 minutes.
• Cut and serve with warm maple syrup.

Can you make without chilling overnight?

Yes. While it tastes better if you do, the casserole will still be delicious if you can't wait.

Does it matter the type of bread?

No. You can use any type of bread you prefer. I typically lean towards regular sandwich bread, Italian bread or Texas toast. 

Prep time: 30 mins (+ 4 to 6 hours to chill)

Bake time: 45 mins

Serves: 12 people

Ingredients

Casserole:

• 1 loaf of sandwich bread
• 6-8 eggs
• 1.5 cups of milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Topping:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!