A Delicious Make-Ahead Special Occasion Casserole
Now that we’ve found the perfect Father’s Day gift, it’s time to plan a special day of celebrating the men in our lives! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “how can I make my dad’s Father’s Day special?” I’ve got the answer! A special Father’s Day breakfast to kick off the day’s festivities in a delicious way! While you can never go wrong with eggs, bacon, and pancakes, I think Father’s Day is a great time to switch things up with a new recipe. Allow me to introduce you to one of the most popular dishes from my cookbook… French Toast Casserole!
Trust me when I tell you this isn’t your typical breakfast casserole. This French Toast Casserole recipe combines everything you love about traditional French Toast into one pan of baked yumminess! Made in just a few steps and a handful of simple ingredients (think fluffy bread infused with hints of cinnamon and vanilla), this is the ultimate special occasion breakfast! The golden, caramelized edges and soft, fluffy center make every bite pure perfection. Whether you drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries, this casserole is as beautiful as it is delicious.
One of the best parts? This casserole is prepared ahead of time, allowing you to pop it in the oven and focus on enjoying time with family rather than scrambling in the kitchen! With an irresistible taste, this recipe is guaranteed to become a joyful (and delicious) Father’s Day tradition. Trust me when I say you’ll receive many requests to repeat this recipe! Let’s grab our ingredients and get ready to wow the fabulous father figures in our lives with a French Toast Casserole!
To shop the kitchen essentials for this recipe, scroll to the ‘Shop the Post’ section at the bottom of this blog. Make sure to also check out my Father’s Day gift guide! As always, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Instagram so you never miss a recipe!
Father’s Day French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
- Cooking spray
- 6-8 cups brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup; microwave on HIGH for 45 to 55 seconds or until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved (or melt in a saucepan over medium-low heat). Stir well and pour into a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Arrange bread pieces evenly over butter mixture.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs until beaten. Whisk in half and half and vanilla. Pour evenly over bread, pressing bread down until moistened.
- In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Uncover baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until set and golden brown. Sift confectioners’ sugar over top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe calls for packed brown sugar. This means firmly pressing the ingredient into the measuring cup to remove air pockets and fill it to the exact level.
- I love topping each slice with berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Both challah and brioche are great breads for French toast and this recipe. They are enriched breads with a rich flavor and a soft, fluffy texture that becomes custard-like when cooked.
- This recipe freezes well. Just thaw and pop in the oven.
- This recipe is adjusted from my cookbook as I have tweaked through the years.
