Sourdough French Toast Casserole

Imagine waking up to a comforting breakfast that not only delights your taste buds but also makes excellent use of leftover sourdough bread. This sourdough French toast casserole recipe offers a creative solution to minimize waste while serving up an indulgent morning treat. The dish features sturdy sourdough bread cubes soaked in a rich egg mixture over the bread and baked to golden perfection. The combination of tangy sourdough, sweet maple syrup, and aromatic cinnamon creates a balanced flavor that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.

The recipe calls for day-old or slightly stale sourdough bread. This type of bread is perfect because it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy. The egg custard is made with large eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream, enhanced by brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of salt to boost the natural flavors. When baked in a casserole dish, the bread cubes develop a soft interior with a lightly crisp top, making every bite a delightful mix of textures.

2. Key Benefits

This sourdough French toast casserole is perfect and offers numerous advantages that make it a standout breakfast option. First, it is incredibly easy to make sourdough cinnamon French toast. easy to prepare. Using day-old sourdough bread ensures that the bread absorbs the rich egg mixture perfectly. The sturdy texture of sourdough means every cube holds up well during baking, allowing the custard to soak into the bread for a consistent custardy texture throughout the dish.

Another benefit is the use for this recipe. make-ahead convenience. By assembling the casserole the night before, you allow the flavors to meld and the bread to fully soak in the egg mixture. This overnight rest not only enhances the taste but also saves you precious time in the morning. When you’re in a rush or hosting a brunch, you simply need to pop the casserole into the oven, and within minutes, you have a delicious, warm breakfast ready to serve, made with the best bread to use.

The recipe also stands out because of its Versatility This casserole is perfect for any occasion, from brunch to holiday gatherings.. While the classic version uses sourdough, you can easily experiment with different types of bread such as French bread, brioche, or sourdough sandwich bread. You can also modify the flavor profile by adding ingredients like fresh berries, sliced apples, or even dollops of cream cheese for extra creaminess. For those who follow specific diets, the recipe adapts well to dairy-free or vegan alternatives by swapping milk and cream with plant-based versions, making it an easy breakfast option.

3. Ingredients

Ingredients for French Toast Casserole neatly arranged on a kitchen counter

To create this delicious sourdough French toast casserole, gather the following simple, quality ingredients, including your favorite kind of bread:

For the Custard:

8 large eggs: These ingredients for sourdough bind the mixture and give the casserole its custard-like texture.
1 ½ cups whole milk for the best sourdough French toast casserole made with homemade sourdough bread: Full-fat milk provides a rich, creamy base. You can substitute with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version, making your sourdough recipes more versatile.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds extra richness and contributes to a silky custard.
½ cup maple syrup is the perfect addition to enhance the flavors of your casserole together. Use pure maple syrup to bring a natural, warm sweetness to your overnight French toast casserole.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a subtle aromatic note.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, comforting spice that pairs well with sourdough.
A pinch of salt can enhance the flavors as the custard soaks into the bread pieces. Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor.

For the Bread:

1 loaf of sourdough bread is the foundation for a delightful French toast recipe. Preferably day-old or slightly stale sourdough. You can also use artisan sourdough, sourdough sandwich bread, or even crusty sourdough bread if you wish.

Optional Add-ins:

Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries): For added color and natural sweetness, consider using a layer of the rest of the bread on top.
Sliced apples or bananas can be delicious toppings for your overnight French toast casserole. To enhance the fruitiness of the dish.
Cream cheese dollops: For extra creaminess between the bread cubes.

For the Streusel Topping (Optional):

½ cup all-purpose flour is essential for achieving the right consistency in your sourdough bread recipe.
½ cup brown sugar: Dark brown sugar works well for a deeper caramel flavor.
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 stick cold unsalted butter (grated or cubed): Cold butter is key to creating a crumbly, textured topping.

4. Instructions

Hand pouring custard over sourdough bread cubes in a casserole dish

Follow these simple steps to create your sourdough French toast casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the bread from a loaf of sourdough artisan bread for optimal soaking.
Start by cutting your sourdough loaf into 1-inch cubes. Using day-old bread works best since it absorbs the custard mixture without falling apart.
Arrange in Dish: Layer the bread cubes in a baking dish for a beautiful presentation of your breakfast casserole
Evenly scatter the bread cubes into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish for the best sourdough French toast casserole. Make sure the bread you have on hand is distributed uniformly so each piece soaks evenly in the mixture over the bread.

Step 2: Make the Custard

Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
Coat the Bread: Use stale bread to ensure that your casserole is perfectly soaked with flavor.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Use a spatula to gently press the bread so that it is fully saturated with the custard. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes to ensure proper soaking.

Step 3: Refrigerate Overnight (Optional)

For best results, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, especially if you love sourdough French toast casserole. This step helps the bread absorb the custard thoroughly, enhancing the custard-like texture when baked with a good ratio of bread to custard.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven to prepare for making French toast casserole made with sourdough.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake Covered with a layer of sourdough artisan bread for added texture.
If you’ve refrigerated the dish overnight, remove the cover and bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes. Check at the 45-minute mark; the custard should be set and the top of the bread lightly golden. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to check the casserole.
Finish Baking:
Continue baking in 5-minute increments until the middle is fully set and there are no visible pockets of liquid.

Step 5: Optional Streusel Topping

Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the topping has a coarse, crumbly texture for the easy French toast casserole.
Add to Casserole:
If desired, sprinkle the streusel topping over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for an added crunch and a burst of caramelized flavor.

Step 6: Serve

Cool Slightly:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to ensure the casserole is golden brown
Garnish:
Drizzle with extra maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Enjoy: This traditional French toast casserole is the perfect dish to share with family and friends, especially when using a sourdough bread recipe.
Slice into portions and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting flavors of the tangy sourdough, the sweet custard, and the warm spices in every bite of your favorite sourdough dish.

5. Pro Tips and Variations

Various topping options for French Toast Casserole displayed on a rustic table

Elevate your sourdough French toast casserole with these expert suggestions and creative twists to make it a baked French toast casserole
Prevent Sogginess

Use day-old bread or a loaf of bread to enhance the flavor:
Stale or day-old sourdough bread soaks up the custard without becoming mushy, making it ideal for this popular recipe.
Proper Soaking Time: Cover with plastic wrap and let the bread soak overnight for the best results.
Allow the bread to soak for at least 10 minutes before baking. For deeper flavor and a richer texture, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate in the fridge overnight.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

Streusel Topping for the best sourdough French toast casserole made with artisan bread:
A simple streusel made with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter adds a satisfying crunch to the top of the casserole. Sprinkle it over the casserole during the final baking stage for a caramelized finish, enhancing the flavors of the sourdough starter.
Fruit and Cream Cheese:
Fold in dollops of cream cheese or add fresh fruit like blueberries, sliced apples, or bananas to give the dish an extra burst of flavor.
Spice It Up: This traditional French toast casserole is the perfect way to elevate your breakfast.
For a seasonal twist, incorporate pumpkin spice, nutmeg, or a touch of orange zest into the custard.

Dietary Modifications

Dairy-Free Option for those who love this recipe: This casserole is perfect for accommodating various dietary needs.
Replace whole milk and heavy cream with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use plant-based butter or coconut oil in the streusel.
Gluten-Free Version:
Substitute sourdough with your favorite gluten-free bread recipe to make a delicious variation. The same soaking and baking methods apply to the mixture over the bread.

Baking Tips

Even Baking:
Distribute the bread cubes evenly in the dish to ensure uniform soaking. Press the bread lightly into the custard for consistent texture in your overnight French toast casserole.
Adjusting Bake Time for your easy French toast casserole can help achieve the perfect texture, ensuring it complements the sourdough starter.
Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes to ensure the top of the bread like sourdough turns golden brown. If you notice excessive browning on the top before the custard sets, cover the dish loosely with foil and finish baking in 5-minute increments.
Crispy Edges:
If you prefer a slightly crispy edge, consider baking uncovered for the last 10 minutes of the cooking time.

6. Serving Suggestions

Beautifully plated French Toast Casserole garnished with berries and syrup

Enhance your sourdough French toast casserole experience with creative serving ideas that elevate every bite. For a comforting, indulgent breakfast or brunch, serve the casserole warm straight from the oven. Drizzle a generous amount of pure maple syrup over the top, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for added sweetness and visual appeal.

For extra freshness and a burst of color, top each serving of your sourdough breakfast with a handful of fresh berries. Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries pair beautifully with the tangy sourdough and sweet custard, especially when made with crusty sourdough for a delicious breakfast. If you’re in the mood for a richer twist, add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt to balance the flavors.

If you’re planning a brunch for guests, consider creating a breakfast board with smaller portions of the casserole alongside a selection of complementary sides. Serve crisp, lightly dressed mixed greens or a simple fruit salad on the side to offer a refreshing contrast to the baked French toast casserole. For a heartier meal, add a side of breakfast sausage or bacon, whose savory notes enhance the sweet and custardy casserole perfectly.

Beverage pairings are key to rounding out the meal and complementing the golden brown French toast. A robust cup of freshly brewed coffee, a creamy latte, or even a chilled glass of orange juice works wonderfully. For a festive touch at a holiday brunch, try serving a mimosa or a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage to complement the dish’s rich textures. These drink pairings not only add an extra layer of flavor but also create a well-balanced and satisfying meal experience for your favorite sourdough dish.

7. Conclusion

This sourdough French toast casserole is more than just a breakfast dish—it’s a celebration of resourcefulness and flavor. By transforming leftover sourdough into a warm, custardy delight, you reduce food waste and create a meal that is both comforting and indulgent, making sourdough French toast casserole the perfect choice. The recipe’s rich egg mixture, enhanced by the natural tang of sourdough and spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar, makes it a standout option for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or special holiday gatherings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it easy to use up stale bread. Whether you serve it as a classic breakfast, pair it with fresh fruit and a cup of coffee, or dress it up with additional toppings like whipped cream or a streusel crumble, each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. The option to prepare it overnight makes it a stress-free solution for those hectic mornings when you want a hearty, homemade casserole together without the rush.

FAQs

Can I use sourdough bread for a French toast bake?

Yes, sourdough bread is an excellent choice for French toast casserole. Its firm texture and slight tang allow it to absorb the custard mixture beautifully without falling apart. Using day-old or slightly stale sourdough works best because it soaks up flavors while maintaining structure.

Can I bake sourdough bread in a casserole dish?

Absolutely. Sourdough bread works perfectly in a casserole dish. Just cut the bread into cubes or tear it into pieces and layer it evenly in your greased dish. This method helps every piece absorb the custard, ensuring a consistent texture throughout your bake.

What’s the best bread for French toast casserole?

While sourdough is a top pick, you can also use brioche, challah, or French bread. The key is to choose a sturdier, day-old loaf that won’t become mushy during soaking. Each type offers its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment and see which one you prefer.

Why is my French toast casserole soggy?

A soggy casserole can result from a few factors: using overly fresh bread that hasn’t dried out a bit, not allowing enough time for the bread to soak up the custard, or an imbalance in the liquid-to-bread ratio. For a firmer texture, try using day-old bread, ensure the custard fully saturates the bread, and consider baking it uncovered toward the end to help evaporate excess moisture.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Simply substitute whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. For the topping, replace butter with a quality plant-based butter or coconut oil. These swaps maintain the creamy, custardy goodness while fitting your dietary needs.

Sourdough French Toast Casserole

Jordan Mike

Indulge in our French Toast Casserole—a make-ahead, custardy delight that transforms sourdough into a warm, irresistible breakfast treat!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 24

Total Time 1 5

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 354 kcal