Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.
With its cinnamon and vanilla-flavored casserole, custard-soaked bread, and golden crispy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite at your breakfast table.
What is Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole?
Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole is a twist on traditional French toast. Unlike regular French toast, this casserole is made by soaking French bread or challah in a creamy custard mixture, then baking it to create a fluffy and soft interior with a crispy, sweet topping. This dish combines the rich flavors of cinnamon French toast with the indulgent textures of a bread pudding casserole.
What makes this casserole special is how it’s made ahead of time, allowing the bread to soak up the custard overnight. This overnight French toast casserole saves time in the morning, making it an excellent choice for busy mornings or brunch recipes. As it bakes, the custard-soaked bread transforms into a comforting and flavorful breakfast treat, perfect for any occasion.
How Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Tastes
The taste of Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole is truly irresistible. The custard-soaked bread soaks up all the sweetness and flavor from the egg mixture, creating a soft and fluffy texture.
When baked, the casserole becomes golden and crispy on top, giving it a perfect balance of crunch and softness.
The combination of cinnamon and vanilla creates a rich, aromatic flavor that fills the kitchen as it bakes, making it feel like the holidays.
The added streusel topping contributes a sweet, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy interior. Whether you serve it with maple syrup or fresh berries garnish, this dish delivers both sweet and savory breakfast flavors that everyone will love.
When Was I First Introduced to Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole?
The first time I encountered the Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole was on Ina Garten’s show, where she demonstrated how to make this make-ahead breakfast for a holiday brunch.
I remember watching her effortlessly layer the bread in a baking dish, pouring the custard mixture over it, and then placing it in the fridge overnight.
The next morning, after baking, it looked like the perfect breakfast: fluffy, golden, and inviting. I immediately knew it was something I wanted to try. It quickly became my go-to family breakfast dish for weekends and special gatherings.
Equipment Needed
To make this easy breakfast casserole, you’ll need a few simple tools. A baking dish (preferably 9×13 inches) is essential for layering the custard-soaked bread.
A whisk is necessary to beat the eggs and mix the ingredients together, while a mixing bowl helps in combining the wet ingredients. You’ll also need a sharp knife to cut the French bread or challah into cubes. These basic tools will help you create a delicious casserole with minimal effort.
Ingredients to Make Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole
To make this cinnamon French toast casserole, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. For the main casserole, you’ll need French bread or challah, eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients come together to create the custard that soaks into the bread, making it soft and flavorful.
For the streusel topping, you’ll need brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. This topping adds a delicious crunch to the casserole, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Optional toppings include maple syrup, fresh berries garnish, or whipped cream.
How to Make Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole
Making this easy brunch recipe is simple and enjoyable. Here’s how you can create your own overnight French toast casserole:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your French bread or challah into cubes. The bread should be a day or two old for the best texture, as day-old bread absorbs the custard better. Place the cubes in your baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This creamy custard mixture will soak into the bread and give it a rich flavor.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the pieces are coated. Press the bread down lightly so that it soaks up the liquid.
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish
Arrange the bread in the dish, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. The bread should be completely soaked in the custard mixture.
Step 5: Chill (Optional)
If you want to make this casserole a true make-ahead breakfast dish, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, an hour of soaking will still yield great results.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven and bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the casserole should be set in the middle.
Step 7: Add Topping
After baking, sprinkle the streusel topping over the casserole and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
Step 8: Serve
Once your casserole is done, serve it hot with maple syrup, fresh berries garnish, or a dusting of powdered sugar. The contrast of the crunchy topping and the soft, custard-soaked bread makes each bite heavenly.
Servings and Preparation Times
This recipe serves 8-10 people, making it an ideal choice for breakfast for a crowd or a family breakfast dish. The total preparation time is around 15-20 minutes, and if you let it chill overnight, you can simply bake it in the morning. The baking time is about 55-65 minutes, including the streusel topping.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole provides about 350-400 calories. The dish contains approximately 18-22 grams of fat, 12-15 grams of protein, and 40-45 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the specific ingredients used. This dish can be a richer breakfast, so it’s perfect for a special occasion but should be enjoyed in moderation if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Recipe Tips
To get the best results, use day-old bread for the casserole. The slightly drier texture of the bread helps it absorb the custard mixture better, resulting in a creamy interior.
You can also experiment by adding different toppings, like breakfast casserole with nuts for some crunch or fresh fruits like bananas or berries.
If you’re looking for an even richer flavor, swap out regular milk for heavy cream. This will create a more decadent bread soaking in custard that’s perfect for special occasions. You can also make this easy breakfast casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
What to Serve with Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole
This casserole is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday brunch or weekend breakfast ideas. Serve it with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a savory breakfast side like sautéed spinach or roasted potatoes to balance out the sweetness. You can also offer a variety of toppings for French toast casserole, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries garnish, for everyone to customize their serving.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven for a few minutes.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 3 months. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight and then bake as usual.
Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole is a versatile breakfast casserole that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday brunch or just a special treat for your family on the weekend.
With its sweet and savory breakfast flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Try it today and watch how quickly it becomes a staple for breakfast for a crowd!
FAQs
Q:What is the most common mistake in making French toast?
A:The most common mistake is using bread that’s too fresh. It doesn’t soak up the egg mixture properly.
Q:What is Ina Garten’s breakfast casserole?
A:Ina Garten’s breakfast casserole is a baked dish, often made with eggs, bread, cheese, and vegetables or meat.
Q:What is the difference between a quiche and a breakfast casserole?
A:Quiche has a pie crust and a custard filling. A breakfast casserole is usually crustless and bakes directly in a dish.
Q:What is the secret to crispy French toast?
A:The secret is to use day-old bread and cook it in a hot, buttered pan.
Conclusion
Barefoot Contessa’s Baked French Toast Casserole is a simple yet delicious breakfast dish. It combines the comfort of French toast with the convenience of a casserole.
By baking it, you can enjoy a warm, gooey breakfast without spending too much time cooking. The recipe is perfect for a crowd, making it great for family gatherings or brunches.
The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are straightforward. The casserole can also be prepared ahead of time, saving time in the morning.
With its rich flavors and soft texture, it’s a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone. Overall, it’s a tasty, hassle-free way to enjoy a classic breakfast favorite.
