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Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole

A rich, make-ahead baked French toast casserole with a soft custardy center and golden, lightly crisp top—perfect for brunch, holidays, or cozy mornings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

French Toast Base
Amount Unit Name Notes
  • 1 loaf Challah or brioche bread Cut into cubes
  • 8 large Eggs Room temperature
  • 2 cups Milk Whole preferred
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Optional richness
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar Adds depth
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg Optional
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Butter For greasing
Streusel Topping
Amount Unit Name Notes
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1/2 cup Butter Cold cubed
Optional Toppings
Amount Unit Name Notes
  • — — Maple syrup For serving
  • — — Fresh berries Garnish
  • — — Powdered sugar Dusting

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking dish Glass or ceramic
  • Large mixing bowl For custard
  • Whisk For mixing
  • Measuring cups & spoons Accurate measurements
  • Cutting board Bread prep
  • Serrated knife Cutting bread
  • Plastic wrap or foil Refrigeration

Method
 

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  2. Arrange the bread evenly in the dish without packing too tightly.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread and gently press down so all pieces soak the mixture.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  5. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  7. Prepare the streusel topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add butter and mix until crumbly.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  8. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  9. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  10. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup or fresh berries.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Notes

  • Use slightly stale bread for best texture.
  • Bake uncovered for a crisp top.
  • For extra flavor, add fruits like berries or bananas between layers.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.