Description
Pioneer Woman French Bread Casserole delivers comfort in each hearty bite, blending rustic French bread with rich, savory ingredients. Layers of cheese, meat, and herbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf crusty sourdough or French bread
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups (473 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
Sweeteners and Flavorings:
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup (100 g) firmly packed brown sugar
Topping and Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste (optional)
- ½ cup (113 g) cold butter, cut into small pieces
- Butter, for greasing the baking pan and serving
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh blueberries, for serving
- Warm syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 13-by-9-inch (33-by-23-centimeter) baking pan with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
- Create the custard base by whisking eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated. Carefully tear or slice the bread into rustic chunks, distributing them evenly across the greased pan. Gently pour the liquid mixture over the bread pieces, ensuring complete saturation. Securely wrap the pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8-12 hours, allowing the bread to fully absorb the flavors.
- Craft the crumbly topping by combining all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and freshly grated nutmeg in a medium bowl. Using a pastry cutter or cold fingertips, incorporate chilled unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy granules. Store the topping in a sealed container in the refrigerator until needed.
- Remove the soaked bread casserole and topping from the refrigerator. Evenly distribute the prepared crumb mixture across the surface of the bread pudding. Initially bake covered with foil for 45-55 minutes, which helps maintain moisture and ensures even cooking.
- Uncover the casserole and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, crispy landscape. Allow the French toast casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enhance the dish with a pat of softened butter, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, and a generous sprinkle of fresh blueberries.
Notes
- Elevate breakfast by choosing stale, crusty sourdough or French bread that perfectly absorbs the rich egg mixture without turning mushy.
- Maximize morning convenience by assembling the entire casserole the night before, allowing bread to soak up delicious flavors while you sleep.
- Prevent soggy textures by selecting sturdy, day-old bread and ensuring proper baking time to create a crisp, golden-brown top.
- Achieve crispy, irresistible edges by baking the casserole uncovered, letting the surface transform into a delightful golden crust.
- Customize your dish with seasonal fruits like juicy berries, sweet peaches, or tender apples, adding vibrant colors and unexpected flavor bursts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 492 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg