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Easy Zero-Waste French Toast Casserole Recipe for Cozy Mornings

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A comforting and easy French toast casserole that uses stale bread and simple pantry ingredients to create a warm, custardy breakfast perfect for cozy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups stale bread, cubed (day-old baguette, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or dairy-free butter)
  • Optional add-ins: fresh berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Cube about 8 cups of stale bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of salt until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Let soak for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate overnight. A 10-minute soak works if short on time.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) while the bread soaks.
  5. Drizzle or dot 2 tablespoons melted butter over the top of the soaked bread.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center. Tent with foil if the top browns too fast.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

Use stale or day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread may become too soggy. Soaking overnight yields the best custardy texture but 10-20 minutes works in a pinch. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Let rest before serving to firm up. For vegan version, substitute eggs with flaxseed mixture and use plant-based milk and butter. Gluten-free bread can be used to make it gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: French toast casserole, zero-waste recipe, cozy breakfast, leftover bread recipe, easy brunch, comfort food

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/easy-zero-waste-french-toast-casserole-recipe-for-cozy-mornings/