Paula Deen French Toast Casserole Recipe
If you want a rich and easy breakfast, this Paula Deen French Toast Casserole Recipe is perfect. It is sweet, soft and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- Bread French bread or brioche – 1 loaf (cut into cubes)
- Eggs – 6 large
- Milk – 2 cups
- Heavy cream – 1/2 cup
- Sugar – 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar – 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
- Nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
- Butter – 1/4 cup melted
Topping:
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup
- Flour – 1/3 cup
- Butter – 1/3 cup cold, cubed
- Cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
Prepare the bread base
- Cut the bread into bite-size cubes. Place them evenly in a greased baking dish. Try to use slightly stale bread. It absorbs the custard better and gives perfect texture.
Make the custard mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Add cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well until smooth. This mixture gives the casserole rich flavor and softness.
Combine and chill
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes evenly. Press lightly so bread soaks well. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Prepare the topping
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes. Use your fingers or fork to mix until crumbly. This topping adds a sweet and crispy layer.
Bake and serve
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove casserole from fridge. Add topping evenly. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with syrup.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better texture
- Do not skip chilling time
- Add fruits like berries for variation
- Use brioche for extra richness
- Do not overbake to keep it soft
- Serve warm for best taste
- Add powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness