French Toast Casserole

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

Make certain to use 1 to 2 day-old bread for this, I strongly suggest not to double the amounts and bake in a larger baking dish, make two separate recipes and bake in two 8 x 8-inch casserole dishes, if you prefer a sweeter taste then increase the sugar amount.

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 6 cups day-old bread cubes
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk or 1 ½ cups half-and-half cream
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar , divided (can use more)
• 1⁄8; teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
• 6 teaspoons butter , cubed (1-1/2 tablespoon)
• 1 -2 teaspoon cinnamon
• maple syrup or pancake syrup

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees F (set oven rack to lowest position).
2. Generously grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan.
3. Sprinkle the bread cubes into the baking pan, then sprinkle the raisins over the bread.
4. In a bowl whisk together the eggs with milk 2 tablespoons brown sugar, salt and vanilla; pour evenly over the bread cubes.
5. Sprinkle the butter cubes over the top.
6. Allow to stand for 15 minutes.
7. In s small bowl combine the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar with 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon; sprinkle over the top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden.
9. Serve warm with maple syrup or pancake syrup.

Reviews

[dkuhlj]

Amazing! This recipe turned out better than I imagined. Yes, I did prepare the night before, refrigerate and bake the next day. Mmmm... delicious! Excellent way to easily feed a large number of people. I got rave reviews. Following the suggestion to divide multiple batches into separate casserole dishes results in a crispy crust with a moist center. Definitely try this one!

[Mrs. DeVelopment]

I must apologize for only posting the "before" pic of this dish...my Christmas Eve breakfast guests devoured it before I could get a pic of it when it came out of the oven! I used raisins on half and left the other plain. This definately has a "bread pudding" taste to it. I was generous with the brown sugar (I don't like syrup). I used 1/2% milk and next time I will use something thicker like cream or whole milk. Very yummy & quick to throw together. thanks!

[KsuKitty]

Very Good, and so easy! It went together in a flash. We used soft Italian bread, cubed up. I drizzled mine with syrup and loved it. Great way to serve French Toast to a larger group of people in a flash!! Its a keeper!