Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole

Rich, custardy, and irresistibly caramelized, Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole brings a touch of elegance to your morning table. This make-ahead breakfast bake features layers of soft bread soaked in a silky vanilla custard, baked to perfection, and finished with a golden sugar crust that crackles just like the iconic dessert. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a weekend indulgence, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Make-Ahead Magic – Prep it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Luxuriously Creamy – Silky custard soaks into every bite of bread.
Crème Brûlée Inspired – A crunchy caramel topping gives it that signature crackle.
Crowd Pleaser – Serves a group, making it perfect for gatherings.
Decadent Yet Simple – Looks and tastes fancy but uses pantry staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Custard Base:
1 loaf French bread or brioche (day-old preferred), cut into 1-inch cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups half-and-half
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

For the Caramel Bottom:
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp corn syrup or maple syrup

For the Brûlée Topping:
3–4 tbsp granulated sugar

Optional Garnishes:
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Maple syrup

Tools You’ll Need
9×13-inch baking dish
Medium saucepan
Whisk and mixing bowls
Spatula or wooden spoon
Plastic wrap
Kitchen torch (optional for brûlée topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Caramel Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup, and cook for 2–3 minutes until smooth and bubbling.
Pour the caramel mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread Cubes
Place the cubed bread evenly over the caramel base, packing lightly but not squishing.
Use a mix of crusty and soft pieces for texture.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure they soak it up.

Step 4: Cover & Chill
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for the creamiest texture.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Remove the casserole from the fridge 30 minutes before baking.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set (a knife should come out clean from the center).
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Brûlée Topping
Once baked, sprinkle 3–4 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top.
Use a kitchen torch to melt and caramelize the sugar until golden and crisp.
No torch? Broil in the oven for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes to set slightly.
Serve warm with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Tips for the Best Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole
Use Stale Bread – Day-old bread absorbs custard without becoming mushy.
Chill Overnight – Essential for that perfect custard-soaked texture.
Torch for Authenticity – A torch gives you the crispest brûlée topping.
Don’t Skip the Caramel Base – It adds depth and richness.
Play with Flavors – Add orange zest, almond extract, or swap cinnamon for nutmeg.

Serving Suggestions
Holiday Brunch – A beautiful addition to Christmas or Easter breakfast.
Special Occasion Breakfast – Ideal for birthdays or anniversaries.
Breakfast for Dinner – Pair with turkey sausage or eggs for a sweet-savory combo.
Brunch Board – Serve alongside yogurt, fruit, muffins, and juice for a full spread.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Bake at 325°F for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
Torch again after reheating to revive the brûlée topping if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of bread?
   Yes! Brioche, challah, or Texas toast work beautifully.
2. Can I skip the brûlée topping?
   Absolutely. It’ll still be sweet and delicious without the crisp sugar crust.
3. Is it very sweet?
   It’s sweet but balanced. You can reduce sugar slightly in the custard if preferred.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes—substitute with coconut milk, almond milk, and plant-based butter.
5. Can I make individual portions?
   Yes—divide the ingredients into ramekins and adjust baking time to about 25–30 minutes.

Final Thoughts
Crème Brûlée French Toast Casserole is everything you love about breakfast and dessert rolled into one luxurious dish. With its velvety custard, caramel bottom, and crackly sugar topping, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. Whether it’s a festive brunch or just a cozy Sunday morning, this dish delivers indulgent flavor with minimal effort.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Share your masterpiece and leave a review—I’d love to see how you served your brûlée breakfast.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 4+ hours
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: French-Inspired / American Brunch

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – yields 10):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 44g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 260mg

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