Why not start your day with the Simple Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe? This recipe is perfect when you want something warm, sweet, and easy to make. It is so easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients like fresh challah, creamy milk, and a hint of orange zest for a bright flavor. That gives you a delightful taste.
This casserole is great for holidays, weekends, or anytime you want to make breakfast extra special. Top it with powdered sugar and maple syrup for the perfect sweet touch. It is simple, quick to prepare, and always loved by kids and adults alike.
What is Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe?
The Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole is an easy and yummy breakfast dish. It is made by putting slices of bread in a baking dish and soaking them in a mix of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Then, you bake it in the oven until it is soft and golden. It is often served with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit on top. This recipe is great for a special breakfast or brunch with family and friends.
Key Details
Total Servings
8 Person
Cuisine
American
Calories
360 (approx.)
Course
Breakfast
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hour
What Makes Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe Special?
Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole is easy to make and it is so delicious to taste. It is a simple dish but feels fancy, making it perfect for special occasions like brunch or holidays. The bread soaks up the egg and milk mixture, becoming soft and custardy when baked. You can also customize it with toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit. It is the perfect mix of sweet, soft, and comforting flavors, and it is super easy to prepare in advance!
Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Ingredients
Milk – 5 cups
Large eggs – 8
Honey – 1 tablespoon
Kosher salt – ¼ teaspoon
Grated orange zest – 1 teaspoon
Pure vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Challah loaf – 1 (Medium size)
Confectioners sugar (for serving)
Maple syrup –(for serving)
Required Kitchen Tools
Baking Dish
Whisk
Mixing Bowls
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Cutter
Cutting Board
Oven
Preparation Steps for Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prepare the bread:
Cut the challah loaf into thick slices or cubes.
Lightly grease a large baking dish and place the bread pieces inside.
Make the custard:
In a big bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them well.
Add the milk, honey, vanilla extract, orange zest, and kosher salt.
Whisk everything together until it is smooth and combined.
Soak the bread:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish.
Press the bread down gently so it soaks up the liquid.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want to prepare it ahead.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Take the dish out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap.
Bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Serve:
Let it cool slightly.
Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Serve warm with maple syrup poured over the top.
Cooking Tips
Use stale bread: Day-old or slightly dry challah soaks up the custard better without getting mushy.
Soak overnight: Letting the casserole sit in the fridge overnight gives the best flavor and texture.
Grease the dish well: Butter or spray your baking dish so the casserole does not stick and cleans up easily.
Whisk eggs first: Beat the eggs before adding the other ingredients. This helps mix everything faster and smoother.
Do not skip the orange zest: It adds a fresh, sweet flavor that makes the dish taste extra special.
Use warm honey: Warm the honey slightly so it mixes into the custard more easily.
Check for doneness: The center should be set and not jiggly when you take it out of the oven.
Cover if browning too fast: If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil while baking.
Let it rest: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking so it is easier to slice and serve.
Add toppings just before serving: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or berries are best added fresh at the end.
Storage Guideline
Keeping your baked tasty French toast casserole stored properly is important to keep it fresh, safe, and tasty. Good storage helps you enjoy the leftovers later without losing the delicious flavor or soft texture. It also saves time and reduces food waste by letting you enjoy the casserole over a few days. Here are some simple guidelines are given below:
Cool it completely first: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
Refrigerate leftovers: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze for longer storage: Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheat properly: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual pieces until heated through.
Avoid storing when warm: Never put a hot casserole directly into the fridge; it can cause sogginess and spoil faster.
Ingredients Substitutions
Sometimes you might not have all the ingredients, or you may want to use what you already have at home. Substituting ingredients can help you still enjoy the recipe without losing its delicious taste and texture. The key is to pick the right substitutes so the final baked French toast casserole stays rich, soft, and full of flavor. Here are some simple substitutions are given below:
You can change Kosher Salt with Table salt.
You can change Orange Zest with Lemon Zest.
Serving Recommendations
Serving your baked French toast casserole with the right sides can turn it into a full, satisfying meal. It is not just about the main dish. You can pair it with fresh or savory sides to balance the sweetness and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some simple and easy recommendations are given below:
Adding a flavor twist to your baked French toast casserole can make it even more exciting and unique. By experimenting with a few extra ingredients or spices, you can take the taste to a whole new level. It is all about balancing new flavors with the base of the recipe while still keeping it delicious and comforting. Here are some simple flavor twist are given below:
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg into the custard for a warm, cozy flavor.
Fresh berries: Add fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries between the layers of bread for a fruity burst.
Caramelized bananas: Slice bananas and lightly caramelize them in a pan with butter and brown sugar before layering them in the casserole for a sweet, banana bread-like twist.
Chocolate chips: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips into the custard or sprinkle them over the bread before baking for a sweet, chocolatey touch.
Almond extract: Swap some vanilla extract with ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
Maple bourbon: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the custard mixture along with the maple syrup for a deep, slightly smoky taste.
Shredded coconut: Add a handful of shredded coconut into the custard for a tropical twist.
Pecans or walnuts: Top the casserole with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the soft bread.
Orange or lemon glaze: Drizzle an orange or lemon glaze over the top after baking to add some zingy sweetness.
FAQs
Yes! In fact, making it ahead of time is a great idea. You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just bake it as directed, and you will have a warm, delicious breakfast ready to go.
Absolutely! While challah bread is the traditional choice, you can use brioche, thick white bread, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. If you want to enjoy it for longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
Yes, you can freeze the casserole! After baking, let it cool completely, then slice it and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you are ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with an egg replacer. There are many options available at the store, such as flaxseed meal or aquafaba (chickpea brine). Keep in mind the texture may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Simple Delicious Baked French Toast Casserole is a perfect breakfast or brunch treat that everyone will love. This recipe is a great way to start your day with something sweet and satisfying. These casserole are easy to make and can be ready in just a few minutes. Whether you are serving it for a holiday breakfast or a weekend treat, it is a dish that everyone will love and ask for again.
The Authentic Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Recipe | Easy Brunch at Home
This Simple delicious Baked French Toast Casserole is a perfect breakfast or brunch treat that everyone will love. This recipe is a great way to start your day with something sweet and satisfying. These casserole are easy to make and can be ready in just a few minutes. Whether you are serving it for a holiday breakfast or a weekend treat, it is a dish that everyone will love and ask for again.
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