Oh, let me tell you about the joy of breakfast casseroles! There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, sweet dish that fills the kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. My Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is one of my absolute favorites for those lazy weekend mornings or when I’m hosting family brunches. It’s so easy to whip up, and the best part? You can make it the night before! Just pop it in the oven in the morning, and you’re greeted with golden, fluffy goodness that’ll make everyone smile. Trust me, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table, ready to dive into a delicious start to the day. It’s like a hug in a dish, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients List
- 6 slices of bread (cubed, I love using brioche or challah for extra richness)
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk gives the best creaminess)
- 4 large eggs (the fresher, the better!)
- 2 apples (diced, I prefer Granny Smith for that perfect tartness)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (the star of the show!)
- 1/4 cup of sugar (you can adjust this based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (a splash of flavor magic)
- 1/4 cup of butter (melted, for that irresistible buttery top)
How to Prepare Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is super simple to put together, and I promise you’ll have it ready in no time. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key because we want that lovely golden brown finish on our casserole!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grab a baking dish and grease it up with some butter. This will help your casserole not stick and give it that nice, buttery flavor.
- Now, take your 6 slices of bread and cut them into cubes. I like to use brioche or challah for their sweetness and texture, but any bread will do!
- Place those lovely bread cubes into your greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly so they can soak up all that delicious egg mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure it’s well combined—you want that delicious flavor to be distributed evenly!
- Pour this egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every little piece is covered. Give it a gentle stir to incorporate the bread with the mixture.
- Next, toss in the diced apples. I love Granny Smith apples for that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness! Gently fold them into the mixture to avoid smashing the bread.
- Finally, drizzle your melted butter on top. This adds a rich, golden layer as it bakes!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until you see that beautiful golden brown color and a toothpick comes out clean. It’ll fill your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma!
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a fantastic breakfast casserole ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends!
- Feeds a crowd effortlessly, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch parties.
- Deliciously rich flavors of apple and cinnamon that warm your heart and soul.
- Versatile enough to customize—add your favorite fruits or nuts for a personal touch!
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy your morning coffee while it bakes.
- Leftovers taste amazing, making it a wonderful treat for the next day!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! If you’re short on time, you can prepare it the night before—just assemble everything and let it sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning, pop it straight into the oven. For ingredient substitutions, feel free to swap the bread for gluten-free options or try adding nuts like pecans for a delightful crunch. When serving, don’t forget a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delightful Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is packed with goodness! You’ll find approximately 250 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 6 grams of protein per slice. It also contains around 38 grams of carbohydrates, along with 10 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates but give you a nice idea of what you’re enjoying! It’s a comforting start to your day that’s worth every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, making it the night before is a great way to save time in the morning. Just assemble the casserole as instructed, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to soak up all those delicious flavors. In the morning, just take it out, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature, and then bake it as directed. You’ll wake up to a heavenly aroma!
What type of bread works best?
I love using brioche or challah for this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole because they’re rich, buttery, and soak up the custard beautifully. However, you can also use whole grain bread if you want something a bit healthier. Even sourdough works well, adding a nice tang to the dish. Just make sure it’s a bit stale, as fresh bread can get too mushy!
Can I add other fruits?
Yes, you can totally get creative with the fruits! While I adore the classic apple addition, you can mix in berries like blueberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor. Sliced bananas also work wonderfully, giving a nice sweetness. Just remember to adjust the sugar a bit if you’re adding sweeter fruits, so it’s not overly sweet.
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftovers, simply cover the casserole with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, the possibilities are endless! I love to serve it alongside some fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a vibrant fruit salad, to add a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole. A dollop of creamy yogurt on the side is also a great option—it adds a lovely tang that complements the sweetness. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, crispy bacon or sausage links make for a delightful pairing, adding a savory touch to your brunch spread. Trust me, these sides elevate your breakfast experience to a whole new level!
Print
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: 7 Blissful Tips
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious apple cinnamon French toast casserole perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread
- 2 cups of milk
- 4 eggs
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Cut the bread into cubes and place in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes.
- Add the diced apples and gently stir.
- Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm with syrup.
- Can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole