Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the rich, custardy goodness of this Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole! This recipe transforms the classic breakfast favorite into a luxurious baked treat with a golden, caramelized topping. Perfect for holidays, brunch parties, or cozy weekends at home, this make-ahead dish is a crowd-pleaser that tastes like dessert for breakfast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Rich & Decadent – Inspired by the creamy French dessert, with a toasty caramelized crust.
Perfect for Sharing – Serves a crowd with minimal effort.
Versatile – Works well with various bread types and toppings.
Comfort Food Classic – A warm, sweet, and satisfying start to any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Caramel Base:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tbsp corn syrup or honey

For the French Toast Casserole:
1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
5 large eggs
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt

For Topping (Optional but Recommended):
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for brûlée-style finish)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Fresh berries or sliced fruit
Maple syrup or whipped cream, for serving

Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Medium saucepan
Plastic wrap or foil
Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Base

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup or honey.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbly (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Pour the caramel mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

1. Arrange the cubed brioche or challah over the caramel layer in the dish.
2. Spread the cubes evenly so the caramel can soak through the bottom.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down so all the bread is soaked.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the dish from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
3. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
4. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 5: Create the Brûlée Topping

1. Once baked, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top.
2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until bubbly and golden.
3. If you don’t have a torch, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

1. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries or sliced fruit if desired.
3. Serve warm with maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole
Use Stale Bread – Slightly dry bread absorbs more custard without becoming soggy.
Don’t Skip the Chill – Soaking the bread overnight gives it the perfect creamy texture.
Brûlée with Caution – A kitchen torch gives the best finish, but broiling can work in a pinch.
Make It Fruity – Add sliced bananas or berries between bread layers before baking.
Add a Crunch – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for texture.

Serving Suggestions
Fresh Fruit Salad – Brighten the meal with a refreshing side.
Crispy Breakfast Potatoes – Balance the sweetness with something savory.
Vanilla Yogurt – Adds a creamy contrast and extra protein.
Herbal Tea or Coffee – Complements the rich flavors beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual portions for 30–45 seconds on medium power.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of bread?
   Yes! French bread, Texas toast, or cinnamon swirl bread all work great.
2. What if I forget to refrigerate it overnight?
   No problem—just let it soak for at least 4 hours before baking for best results.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes. Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and a dairy-free butter substitute.
4. Is this recipe too sweet for breakfast?
   It’s definitely indulgent, but perfect for special occasions. Pair it with savory sides for balance.

Final Thoughts
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is the ultimate indulgent breakfast or brunch centerpiece. With its rich caramel base, custardy texture, and golden brûléed top, it brings comfort and elegance to any morning table. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family—they’ll thank you for it!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Chilling Time: 4–12 hours
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 290mg

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