Description
Start your morning with the cozy, heartwarming flavors of Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, custardy bake packed with tender apples, spiced cinnamon, and golden bread cubes. Whether you’re planning a quick breakfast, hosting brunch, or looking for easy dinner ideas that double as breakfast-for-dinner, this dish fits the bill. It’s an excellent choice for breakfast ideas, holiday food ideas, or a healthy-ish snack when served in smaller portions. Prep ahead for busy mornings or enjoy it fresh out of the oven—either way, it’s comfort in a casserole dish.
Ingredients
8 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed
5 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 tablespoons butter
Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces. If it’s fresh, toast in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to dry it slightly.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced apples and sauté for 5–7 minutes. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar, then remove from heat.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the bread cubes, then half the sautéed apples. Repeat with the rest.
5. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples. Gently press the bread down to soak up the liquid.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from fridge. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, tenting with foil if top browns too quickly.
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Using day-old or slightly stale bread improves texture and prevents sogginess.
For richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
Always let the casserole rest before slicing to help it set properly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: apple french toast casserole, easy breakfast ideas, brunch casserole, baked french toast, fall breakfast