Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your day than with a comforting and delicious casserole that combines the best of French toast and the warm, spiced flavors of an apple streusel?
The Apple Streusel French Toast Casserole is a perfect dish for a weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering breakfast casserole.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For the French toast casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of French bread or challah, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For the streusel topping, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Having all ingredients measured and ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
2. Prepare the French Toast Base
Start by preparing the French toast base. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. This mixture will serve as the custard that soaks into the bread, giving the casserole its creamy texture.
Next, place the cubed bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the bread cubes. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and apples, making sure all pieces are coated.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
3. Make the Streusel Topping
The streusel topping is what elevates this casserole to a whole new level. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
This topping adds a delightful crunch and a sweet, spiced flavor that perfectly complements the softness of the French toast. You can prepare the streusel topping while the casserole is in the refrigerator, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
4. Assemble and Bake
When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top. This ensures a deliciously crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the tender, custardy bread underneath.
Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If you prefer a softer texture, you can cover the casserole with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
5. Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete breakfast spread, serve it alongside crispy bacon, fresh fruit, and a hot cup of coffee or tea.
The Apple Streusel French Toast Casserole is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. The combination of tender French toast, juicy apples, and a crunchy streusel topping makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Conclusion
The Apple Streusel French Toast Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a comforting, heartwarming meal that brings people together. Its preparation is straightforward, yet the result is an impressive and delicious dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or lazy weekend morning.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a casserole that’s rich in flavor, texture, and warmth. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for a make-ahead breakfast option, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful casserole and the joy it brings to those who taste it.