Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Indulge in the rich, custardy goodness of this Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole! This decadent breakfast bake features buttery caramel sauce on the bottom, thick slices of brioche or challah, and a silky-sweet custard infused with vanilla and cinnamon. Topped off with a brûléed sugar crust, this casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or lazy weekend mornings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make-Ahead Magic – Prep the night before and simply bake in the morning.
Rich & Velvety – A nod to the classic French dessert in breakfast form.
Crowd Favorite – Perfect for entertaining or serving a big family.
Caramel Bottom Layer – Each slice has its own gooey, golden surprise.
Elegant Yet Easy – Looks and tastes gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

For the French Toast Layer:
1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) day-old brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
5 large eggs
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt

For Topping:
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for brûlée crust)
Powdered sugar, for garnish
Fresh berries or fruit (optional)
Whipped cream or maple syrup, for serving

Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowls
Plastic wrap or foil
Spatula or ladle
Kitchen torch or broiler

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Caramel Base

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in brown sugar and honey.
3. Cook for 2–3 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
4. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly over the bottom.

Step 2: Layer the Bread

1. Place cubed brioche or challah over the caramel layer in an even layer.
2. Lightly press down so the bread absorbs the caramel underneath.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing lightly to soak the bread.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

1. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove casserole from the fridge and bring to room temperature.
3. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
4. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before topping.

Step 6: Make the Brûlée Topping

1. Sprinkle 2 tbsp granulated sugar evenly over the top.
2. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
3. Alternatively, broil on high for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serve & Garnish

1. Slice and serve warm.
2. Garnish with powdered sugar, berries, or a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole
Use Stale Bread – Day-old bread absorbs custard better without turning mushy.
Don’t Skip the Chill – Refrigerating overnight ensures rich flavor and texture.
Brûlée Carefully – A torch gives the best result, but broiling works in a pinch.
Customize It – Add berries, bananas, or chocolate chips to the casserole before baking.
Make It a Meal – Serve alongside savory dishes for a balanced brunch spread.

Serving Suggestions
Fresh Fruit Salad – Lightens up the richness of the casserole.
Breakfast Sausage or Chicken – Adds a savory contrast.
Hot Coffee or Chai – Complements the cinnamon and caramel notes.
Sparkling Juice – A festive touch for brunch gatherings.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Microwave: Reheat individual slices on medium power for 30–45 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of bread?
   Yes! French bread or Texas toast work well. Avoid thin sandwich bread.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute with plant-based milk, cream, and butter alternatives.
3. What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
   Use your oven’s broiler for a brûlée effect—just keep a close eye on it.
4. Can I make this without refrigerating overnight?
   You can soak it for 4 hours minimum, but overnight yields the best results.

Final Thoughts
This Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is a show-stopping dish that brings elegance and ease to your breakfast or brunch table. With its caramelized base, custard-soaked bread, and brûléed topping, every bite is warm, creamy, and unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this is the kind of dish that makes any morning feel like a celebration.

Try it, love it, and don’t forget to share the recipe—it’s too good to keep secret!

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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