Try the ultimate breakfast treat with this easy overnight brioche French toast casserole recipe. It’s a mix of rich, buttery brioche bread and creamy custard. Baked to perfection, it’s perfect for brunch.
This casserole is great because you can prep it the night before. Then, bake it fresh in the morning. It’s a convenient and delicious choice for any special occasion.
What is Brioche French Toast?
Brioche is a rich, buttery French bread that’s perfect for French toast. It has a tender, pillowy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. This makes it soak up custard beautifully, creating a delicious breakfast treat.
Brioche: A Rich, Buttery Bread for French Toast
Brioche is a French pastry bread with lots of eggs and butter. It’s soft, fluffy, and golden. Its lightly sweet taste and tender crumb make it great for French toast.
Why Brioche is Perfect for French Toast Casseroles
Brioche is perfect for French toast casseroles because it holds its shape well. It becomes custard-y and indulgent during baking. The rich, buttery flavor of brioche pairs well with sweet custard, making a luxurious breakfast dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brioche Bread | 12 thick slices |
| Eggs | 8 large |
| Milk (or non-dairy alternative) | 2 cups |
| Maple Syrup or Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
The mix of rich, buttery brioche and a custard-like mixture is indulgent. It creates a satisfying Brioche French Toast Casserole.
brioche french toast recipe
Elevate your brunch with this decadent brioche French toast recipe. Thick slices of fluffy brioche bread are soaked in a sweet custard mixture. Then, they’re baked to golden perfection for a truly indulgent dish. This brioche French toast casserole is perfect for special occasions or a leisurely weekend morning.
To make this brioche French toast recipe, start by preparing the custard. In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, ¾ cup of half and half, 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon of table salt. This custard mixture gives the brioche French toast its rich, creamy texture.
Next, arrange 7 slices of 1-inch thick brioche bread in a baking dish. Pour the custard over the bread, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to allow the bread to soak up all the flavors.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and brush it over the top of the soaked brioche. Bake the brioche French toast casserole for 35-45 minutes, until golden brown and the custard has set.
Serve this brioche French toast bake recipe warm, with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. The rich, buttery brioche paired with the creamy custard makes for an indulgent and unforgettable brunch experience.
Whether you’re hosting a special brunch or treating yourself, this brioche French toast recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients for Overnight Brioche French Toast Casserole
To make a delicious overnight brioche French toast casserole, you need the right ingredients. Start with a 16-18 oz loaf of day-old brioche bread. This bread gives the dish a rich, buttery taste.
For the custard-like base, mix 6 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup. Maple syrup brings a touch of sweetness and rich flavor.
Be sure to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a dash of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. These add to the dish’s flavor. You can also add 1 cup of fresh berries or fruit for extra freshness.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brioche Bread | 16-18 oz loaf, day-old |
| Eggs | 6 large |
| Whole Milk | 2 cups |
| Maple Syrup | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh Berries or Fruit (optional) | 1 cup |
These brioche french toast casserole ingredients and the perfect what do you need for brioche french toast casserole will make a rich and indulgent dish. It’s perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the perfect brioche French toast casserole is easy and fun. Let’s go through the steps to make this tasty dish.
Prepare the Bread
Begin by cutting the brioche bread into small cubes. Trader Joe’s brioche is a great choice for its thickness and affordability. Place the cubed bread in a greased baking dish, making sure it’s spread out evenly.
Make the Custard
In another bowl, mix the custard ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup whole milk, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and flavorful.
Assemble and Refrigerate
Pour the custard over the bread, making sure each piece is coated. Let the bread soak for 5-10 seconds on each side. Don’t soak it too long. Cover and refrigerate overnight for the flavors to blend.
The next day, preheat your oven. Bake the casserole until it’s golden and the custard is set, about 30 minutes. Serve warm with toppings like fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup.
By following these easy steps, you’ll make a delicious brioche French toast casserole. It’s perfect for a big group or a cozy breakfast. Enjoy!
Topping Options for Brioche French Toast Casserole
The brioche French toast casserole is already delicious. But you can make it even better by adding delicious toppings. Choose from sweet and creamy, fruity, or nutty options. The possibilities are endless for customizing your dish.
Sweet and Creamy Toppings
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting adds sweetness and looks great.
- Whipped cream: Freshly whipped cream adds a rich, creamy touch.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle caramel for a gooey, indulgent treat.
- Maple syrup: It’s a classic choice that pairs well with the brioche.
Fruity Toppings
- Fresh berries: Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mix for freshness.
- Sautéed apples: Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples make a great topping.
- Mango or pineapple: Tropical fruits like mango or pineapple add a tangy contrast.
Nutty and Crunchy Toppings
- Streusel: A crumbly streusel topping adds a delightful crunch.
- Chopped pecans: Toasted pecans offer a nutty flavor and texture.
- Granola: Sprinkle crunchy granola for a textural contrast.
The brioche French toast casserole is like a blank canvas. You can add your favorite toppings and flavors. Whether you like sweet, fruity, or nutty, there’s something for everyone.
| Topping | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered Sugar | As desired | Sweet dusting for visual appeal |
| Whipped Cream | 1/2 cup | Rich, creamy contrast |
| Caramel Sauce | 1/4 cup | Gooey, indulgent topping |
| Maple Syrup | 1/4 cup | Classic flavor pairing |
| Fresh Berries | 1 cup | Burst of freshness |
| Sautéed Apples | 1 cup | Warm, cinnamon-spiced topping |
| Streusel Topping | 1 cup | Crumbly, crunchy texture |
| Chopped Pecans | 1/2 cup | Nutty flavor and texture |
| Granola | 1/2 cup | Crunchy contrast |
Make-Ahead and Serving Tips
This make ahead brioche french toast casserole is super convenient. Assemble it the night before, then bake it in the morning. It’s perfect for a stress-free brunch.
Refrigerate Overnight for Easy Morning Baking
Start by making the brioche french toast casserole as instructed. Then, cover it and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just bake it until it’s golden and puffed up. This way, you get to enjoy the warm, fresh aroma and taste without the morning rush.
When it’s time to serve, you can present it in the baking dish or cut it into squares. Offer toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream on the side. This lets your guests add their favorite touches.
This brioche french toast casserole is a hit at brunch. Its make-ahead ease and delicious brioche base will impress everyone. Enjoy the simplicity of making it and the happiness of serving a homemade breakfast treat.
Dietary Modifications
This dairy free brioche french toast casserole can be made to fit your dietary needs. You can choose a gluten free brioche french toast casserole or a dairy-free version. This recipe is flexible for different dietary preferences.
Dairy-Free Alternative
To make a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk instead of regular milk and cream. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk work well. They give a creamy texture without the lactose. This way, those with dairy sensitivities can enjoy the dish’s comforting flavors.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free brioche-style bread instead of regular brioche. Many bakeries and stores have great gluten-free options. They have the same soft, pillowy texture as regular brioche.
With these simple changes, you can enjoy the dairy free brioche french toast casserole or gluten free brioche french toast casserole without worrying about your diet. This versatile breakfast dish meets your dietary needs while offering delicious flavors.
Conclusion
This easy overnight brioche French toast casserole is perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. It has rich, buttery brioche bread, creamy custard, and tasty toppings. It’s sure to wow your family and guests.
Prepare it the night before for an easy morning bake. Then, serve it warm with all the fixings for a decadent start to the day.
The best brioche French toast recipe is versatile and impressive. You can add cinnamon sugar, fruit compotes, or caramel drizzles. It’s great for any occasion or a weekend craving.
This casserole is a breakfast and brunch favorite. Its make-ahead convenience and amazing flavor will impress everyone. Enjoy every bite of this rich, buttery delight.