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Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

A cozy, custardy baked French toast casserole inspired by the Barefoot Contessa, made with brioche soaked overnight and baked until golden, soft, and perfect for an easy breakfast or brunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: French
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread cubed
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cling wrap
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Step-by-Step Method
  2. I prefer explaining this simply so you never get confused.
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
  1. Cube the brioche and place it evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Soft breads like brioche or challah absorb better, don’t you think so?
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 2: Make the Custard
  1. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. Pour this mixture slowly over the bread so every cube gets coated.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 3: Overnight Soaking
  1. Cover the dish with cling wrap and refrigerate for 6–8 hours.
  2. This slow resting helps the custard move inside the bread instead of running out.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
  3. Don’t you love recipes that work while you sleep?
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
  1. Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and crumble it with your fingers.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 5: Bake
  1. Sprinkle the topping evenly on top.
  2. Bake for 45–50 minutes until puffed, golden, and slightly crisp on top.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Notes

Helpful Recipe Notes

  • Overnight soaking gives the casserole the best custard-like texture.
  • Brioche or challah works best because they stay soft.
  • If you want a softer top, cover with foil for first 25 minutes.
  • Make the topping ahead and keep it cold for extra crunch.
  • Add fresh berries on top after baking for more flavor.