Description
This Less Egg Brioche French Toast Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish that combines soft brioche bread soaked in a rich custard made with fewer eggs for a lighter texture. Baked to golden perfection with a sweet, crunchy sugar topping, it’s perfect for weekend brunch or holiday mornings. Finished with optional powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries for a delightful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the casserole
- 1 (14–16 oz) loaf soft brioche
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk (swap ½ cup milk for cream for richer custard)
- â…“ cup brown sugar (white sugar can be substituted)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional: pinch of nutmeg or cardamom)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the topping
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for a light crust)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
- Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Gather all your ingredients and have them ready for assembly.
- Make custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is fully smooth and well combined.
- Assemble: Arrange the sliced brioche bread in an even layer within the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently to help the bread soak up the custard. Allow the casserole to sit for 10–15 minutes to maximize absorption while the oven preheats.
- Sprinkle with sugar: Evenly sprinkle the granulated sugar on top of the soaked bread mixture to create a lightly sweet and slightly crunchy crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown, and just set in the center (a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean).
- Finish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes to set further. Dust the top with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with fresh berries if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a richer custard, substitute ½ cup milk with cream.
- You can use white sugar instead of brown sugar if needed.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom intensifies the spice flavor alongside cinnamon.
- Letting the casserole soak before baking ensures the bread absorbs the custard fully.
- Optional toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries add sweetness and freshness.
