French Toast Casserole With Apples is all of the deliciousness of French toast, with the ease and convenience of a casserole. Make it the night before and pop in the oven in the morning!
This apple French toast casserole, which includes one of my daughter’s very favorite ingredients, a touch of cinnamon, is hard to resist! The last time I made this overnight French toast casserole recipe was for my 10 year old’s birthday sleepover party. All of her friends finished it off for breakfast along with a fruit salad and a mixed berry smoothie .
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Who Invented French Toast?
The French, bien sûr (of course)! French toast was created in the 4th or 5th century and was called Pain Perdu, which means “lost bread” or stale bread. It is a smart way to use up stale, dried-out bread and make a yummy dish, by soaking bread in milk and eggs and frying it. I just love French toast and when I make my recipe, everyone always asks for it.
This easy overnight french toast casserole recipe follows the same principle, except it is baked rather than fried. When you have “lost” bread, use it to make the best French toast casserole! Fresh apples elevate this delicious make ahead French toast casserole recipe.
I created this apple French toast casserole recipe after we’d picked up a case of apples at the farmers market. It feels like you’re having dessert for breakfast!
How to Make French Toast Casserole
As with most French toast recipes, this overnight apple French toast requires eggs and milk. I like this recipe because it uses milk and half and half cream, making it a richer baked French toast casserole. Milk can be substituted for half and half if you’re out. Can you use stale bread for French toast? It’s perfect for this overnight french toast casserole recipe. If you don’t have stale bread, cut fresh bread into cubes and dry it out overnight or in the oven at 200F for about 30 minutes.
I like to use whole wheat bread instead of white bread because it is a little healthier and has a great flavor. The highlight of this apple cinnamon French toast bake is the topping. French toast casserole with apples and a crunchy streusel topping is a brunch dish to get excited about! Every bite with a crunch of topping is delightful.
What Goes With French Toast for Brunch?
The same thing that goes with baked French toast casserole! I like to include sausage breakfast bake or curried sausage casserole. We love to serve this with a zesty fruit salad. Oh, and bacon. Definitely bacon! And coffee of course. Mimosas anyone? The kids love adding a blueberry banana smoothie to their meal.
If there are leftovers by some miracle, we serve this up for dessert with vanilla ice cream. I sometimes add walnuts or pecans along with the ice cream.
How Long to Bake French Toast Casserole?
This recipe for baked apple French toast casserole is baked uncovered for 50-60 minutes at 350F, or until a knife poked in the middle comes out clean. At the 40 minute mark, check the topping to make sure that it doesn’t get too browned. If it is browned to your liking, place a sheet of foil loosely on top for the remainder of the baking time.
Let the baked French toast casserole sit and cool before serving. While it is resting, the French toast casserole will settle down and the flavors will develop into an amazing apple casserole. You will love the smell and taste even more!
Other Delish Breakfast Recipes!
French Toast Casserole With Apples
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half and half cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ Tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- zest of ½ lemon optional
- 8 cups dry bread cubes
- 3 apple sliced will cook best
Optional Streusel Topping
- ⅔ cup flour
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup quick oats
- 4 Tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Mix together eggs, milk, half and half, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon (and zest if using).
- Add 3 cups of the bread cubes to a greased casserole dish or pan. Layer sliced apples on top and add remaining bread cubes.
- Pour egg mixture on top and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, remove French Toast Casserole from the fridge and preheat oven to 350°F.
- If adding Streusel Topping, mix all ingredients together using a pastry cutter or fork (or prepare the night before) and sprinkle over the top of the dish.
- Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. If the top is getting really browned, loosely place foil for remainder of cook time.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. The French Toast casserole puffs up while baking and settles after it’s been out of the oven for a few minutes.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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Recipe inspired by my bread pudding recipe!
I can smell the apples cooking and it feels like Fall.