Paula Deen French Toast Casserole Recipe

This Paula Deen French Toast Casserole is an easy and creamy recipe, which is made with bread cubes and a rich egg custard. It’s a great choice for holiday mornings, ready in about 1 hour.

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Paula Deen French Toast Casserole Ingredients

5 cups bread cubes
1 ½ cups milk
4 large eggs
¼ cup white sugar, divided
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon margarine, softened
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How To Make Paula Deen French Toast Casserole

Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
Assemble the Base: Spread the bread cubes in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the Custard: In a large bowl, beat the milk, eggs, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, the salt, and the vanilla extract together until well combined.
Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes and stir gently to coat. Dot the top with the softened margarine. Let the casserole stand for 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Add Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar with the ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Paula Deen French Toast Casserole Recipe

Recipe Tips

How do you prevent a soggy bottom? For the best texture, use bread that is slightly stale or dry. Day-old bread works perfectly because it absorbs the custard without becoming overly soggy.
Can I prepare this casserole overnight? Yes, and it’s even better that way! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the cinnamon-sugar topping), cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Add the topping right before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best kind of bread to use? A rich, sturdy bread like challah, brioche, or a thick-cut French bread will give you the best results.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and the center should be set and not liquidy when you gently jiggle the pan. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

What To Serve With French Toast Casserole

This baked French toast is a wonderful breakfast centerpiece. Serve it with:

Warm maple syrup
Fresh berries or a fruit salad
A side of crispy bacon or sausage links
A dollop of whipped cream

How To Store French Toast Casserole

Refrigerate: Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

French Toast Casserole Nutrition Facts

Calories: 285 kcal
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sodium: 450mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of milk?

Yes, you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. For a richer custard, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.

Can I add mix-ins to the casserole?

Absolutely. You can stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch, or add a layer of sliced bananas or berries before pouring the custard over the top.

Why is my casserole runny in the middle?

A runny center usually means the casserole was underbaked. It needs enough time for the egg custard to fully set. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.