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