Are you craving a breakfast that's both comforting and impressive? Look no further than this copycat Cracker Barrel French Toast Casserole recipe! This delicious dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or any occasion where you want to treat yourself to something truly special. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time, and the result is a golden-brown, custard-soaked bread pudding that's bursting with flavor. Get ready for a breakfast experience that will leave you wanting more!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a generous serving, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Adjust quantities as needed for your group size.
- 1 loaf (1 pound) Texas toast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (for drizzling, optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions:
Let's get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly simple, perfect for even the busiest mornings.
Step 1: Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cubed Texas toast evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy. This is the heart of your French toast casserole, so ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
Step 3: Combine and Bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are well saturated. Gently toss the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard. If using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this amazing breakfast treat!
Cooking Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole:
- Overnight Soak: For an even richer flavor, prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed in the morning. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.
- Bread Choice: While Texas toast is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of bread, such as challah or brioche.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins! Consider adding raisins, blueberries, chocolate chips, or other fruits to customize your casserole.
Variations:
- Make it Fruity: Add a cup of fresh or frozen berries to the custard mixture for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the custard for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix a softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla, then swirl it into the casserole before baking for an extra layer of creamy goodness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This is an approximation and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Sugar: 20-25g
This delicious Cracker Barrel French Toast Casserole is a fantastic recipe for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or even a comforting dessert! Easy to make and adaptable to your taste, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!