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Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 55 reviews

This creamy and comforting French Toast Casserole features layers of cubed French bread and rich cream cheese, soaked in a sweet cinnamon-vanilla custard, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a crowd-pleasing breakfast or brunch, it pairs wonderfully with maple syrup and fresh fruit for a delightful start to your day.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Custard Mixture

  • 8 eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2/3 cup cream
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted (1 stick)

Casserole

  • 12 ounces French bread (about 10 cups, cubed into bite-size pieces)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the casserole.
  2. Prepare custard mixture: In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Whisk for about 1 to 2 minutes until well combined and slightly frothy.
  3. Add melted butter: In a separate bowl, microwave the salted butter for about 30 seconds until melted. Add this melted butter to the egg mixture and whisk thoroughly for another 1 to 2 minutes to incorporate fully.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Spread half of the cubed French bread evenly over the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle half of the cream cheese cubes over the bread. Layer the remaining bread cubes on top, then scatter the remaining cream cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Pour custard over bread: Evenly pour the prepared egg and butter custard mixture over the layered bread and cream cheese, ensuring all bread pieces get soaked.
  6. Add cinnamon topping: Using a mesh strainer or a spoon, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon evenly over the top of the custard-soaked bread.
  7. Cover and bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
  8. Finish baking uncovered: Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to turn golden and lightly crisp.
  9. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit as desired.

Notes

  • For best results, use day-old French bread so it absorbs the custard well without becoming too mushy.
  • You can prepare this casserole the night before by assembling it and refrigerating overnight before baking.
  • If you prefer, substitute cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • Feel free to add chopped nuts or fresh berries between layers for additional texture and flavor.
  • This dish reheats well and can be warmed in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/cream-cheese-french-toast-casserole-recipe/