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To make this delicious dish, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes - 3 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish - Maple syrup, for serving These ingredients blend to create a warm, sweet, and comforting meal. The bread absorbs the egg mixture well, making each bite soft and rich. Using the right bread makes a big difference. Brioche and challah are great because they are soft and sweet. You can also use French bread for a different texture. Just avoid using fresh bread. Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the egg mixture without getting too soggy. You can customize your casserole to make it your own. Here are some fun ideas: - Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans are perfect. - Toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness. - Top with whipped cream or yogurt before serving for a creamy touch. - Drizzle honey or caramel sauce on top for an extra sweet treat. These options let you play with flavors and textures, making your dish unique every time. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering the ingredients. You need a loaf of day-old brioche or challah bread. Cut it into cubes. This bread will soak up the egg mixture well. Next, peel and core two Granny Smith apples. Dice them into small pieces. If you like nuts, chop some walnuts or pecans. Set these aside for later. In a large mixing bowl, crack three large eggs. Add two cups of whole milk to the bowl. Then, pour in half a cup of brown sugar. This will add sweetness. Next, mix in one teaspoon of vanilla extract and one tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Add a pinch of salt, about a quarter teaspoon. Whisk everything together until it is smooth and well mixed. Now, take the bread cubes and gently fold them into the egg mixture. Make sure all the bread pieces are coated. This is key for a delicious casserole. Next, stir in the diced apples and chopped nuts, if you’re using them. Mix well so that the apples and nuts are spread throughout. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with one tablespoon of butter. Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in the oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake it for another 15 to 20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown. The custard should be set. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, slice it up and serve warm. Drizzle some maple syrup on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your tasty apple cinnamon French toast casserole! When picking apples, I like to use Granny Smith. They are tart and hold their shape well. Tart apples bring a nice balance to the sweet flavors. You can also try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste. Just remember, avoid soft apples like Red Delicious. They can turn mushy in the oven. Spices make a big difference in flavor. I always add ground cinnamon to my mix. It pairs perfectly with apples. You can also try nutmeg for a warm touch. A pinch of allspice adds depth too. If you want more warmth, consider adding ginger. Just keep the spice amounts balanced. You want to enhance, not overpower. To prevent soggy bread, use day-old bread. Fresh bread absorbs too much liquid. Cut the bread into cubes before mixing. Let it soak briefly in the egg mixture. This way, the bread will soak up just enough. You can also bake it uncovered for a few extra minutes. This lets the top crisp up nicely. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Bread: Day-old brioche or challah absorbs the custard better, resulting in a creamier texture. Fresh bread may become too soggy. Customize Your Apples: While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, feel free to mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness and flavor. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning for an effortless breakfast. Serve with Fresh Toppings: Enhance your French toast casserole by serving it with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flair. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread instead of brioche or challah. There are many tasty options in stores. Look for a bread that is soft and thick. This will help hold the egg mixture well. Follow the same steps in the recipe. Just make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! If you want a vegan version, swap out the eggs and milk. Use a plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. For eggs, mix ground flaxseed with water. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. This will help bind the casserole nicely. You can also add a little extra cinnamon for flavor. With these changes, you still get a delicious dish! Feel free to get creative with fruits and nuts. While apples are great, you can try pears or berries. Just chop them up and mix them in. You can also add other nuts like almonds or pecans. They add nice crunch and taste. Try different combinations to find your favorite mix. Each variation gives a fun twist to the classic recipe! To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it tightly to avoid drying out. You can also freeze this casserole. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy it later. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, take out the portion you want. You can use the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. Enjoy it warm for the best taste! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish the night before and cover it with foil. Store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just bake it as usual. This saves time and makes breakfast easier. Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also add whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. If you like crunch, serve it with chopped nuts on top. Fresh fruit like berries or banana slices can add a nice touch too. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown. You can also check if the custard is set. To test this, gently shake the dish. If it wobbles too much, it needs more time. Bake it longer, checking every few minutes. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. In this article, we explored how to make a delicious apple cinnamon French toast casserole. We covered essential ingredients, including bread options and tasty add-ins. You learned step-by-step instructions for prep, baking, and storage tips. I also shared variations for gluten-free and vegan diets. Now, you're ready to create this warm treat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing it with others. Your cooking can bring joy to everyone at your table.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

A delicious and comforting casserole made with bread, eggs, milk, apples, and cinnamon, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 apples peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the baking dish
  • to taste Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with the butter.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  • Add the cubed bread to the bowl, gently folding it into the egg mixture until all pieces are coated.
  • Stir in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using), making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
  • Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
  • Serve warm drizzled with maple syrup.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best results.
Keyword apple, casserole, cinnamon, French toast