French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup, for serving

Method

1. 1

   Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

3. 3

   Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently so all the bread is submerged and coated.

4. 4

   Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 8 hours, to let the bread fully absorb the custard.

5. 5

   Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

   20:00 · Rest at room temperature
6. 6

   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Add the cold butter and cut it in with a fork or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse, pea-sized crumbs.

7. 7

   Scatter the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.

8. 8

   Bake uncovered until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center, 45 to 50 minutes.

   45:00 · Bake casserole
9. 9

   Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving warm with maple syrup drizzled over the top.

   10:00 · Cool before serving