Small French Toast Casserole (Easy Recipe from 2 to a Crowd) Recipe
This Small French Toast Casserole is an easy and delicious breakfast recipe perfect for 2 to 6 people. Made with crusty French bread cubes soaked in a rich egg and milk mixture overnight, then baked to golden perfection with a cinnamon-sugar topping. It’s a comforting, make-ahead dish ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Butter an 8×8 or 6×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut 8 ounces of crusty French bread into 1-inch cubes and evenly distribute them in the greased baking dish.
- Mix the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 ½ cups of milk, 2 teaspoons of sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon until combined but not overmixed.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak and flavors to meld.
- Rest and Preheat: In the morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover it. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter and Sugar Topping: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave and brush it gently over the top of the soaked bread mixture. Combine 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle this mixture evenly on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, saving time on busy days.
- Other types of bread such as brioche or challah can be used if French bread is unavailable.
- Ensure the baking dish is well-buttered to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- For extra richness, whole milk is recommended, but you can substitute with any milk of your choice.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sugar topping to your personal taste preferences.
