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Baked Challah French Toast Casserole (Easy Make-Ahead Recipe)

Enjoy a delightful Baked Challah French Toast Casserole, perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch. This easy recipe combines challah bread with a rich custard for a comforting and delicious dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 loaf challah bread torn into large pieces (1 pound)
  • 0.5 stick Unsalted Butter thinly sliced
  • 6 Eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.33 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.125 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans optional

Method
 

  1. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish, then arrange torn pieces of challah to fully cover the bottom, leaving no gaps. Tuck slices of butter between the pieces of bread.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well blended.
  3. Ladle the mixture evenly over the bread, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at least 2 hours.
  4. An hour before serving, remove the cover and sprinkle the pecans evenly across the top. Bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, until golden brown and puffed. Let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking.
  5. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve warm with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use brioche bread instead of challah. You can also add a splash of bourbon to the custard mixture.