Simple French Toast Strata
Transform your mornings with this Simple French Toast Strata, a delightful twist on classic French toast that's perfect for brunch or a weekend breakfast treat. Made with rich challah or buttery brioche bread, this make-ahead casserole features a creamy custard infused with hints of vanilla and cinnamon, creating a beautifully soft and flavorful texture. With just 15 minutes of prep and a hands-off bake time, it's an effortless way to feed a crowd. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup for a comforting, decadent finish. Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or lazy Sunday mornings, this French toast bake is the ultimate blend of simplicity and indulgence!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups (cubed) Challah or brioche bread
- 6 Eggs
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Butter (for greasing)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)
- 0.5 cup Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
Cut the challah or brioche bread into approximately 1-inch cubes and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture. (For make-ahead prep, you can refrigerate it overnight at this point.)
Bake the strata in the preheated oven, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Remove the strata from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve warm with maple syrup on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7994 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 242.7 g | 311% | |
| Saturated Fat | 103.3 g | 516% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2213 mg | 738% | |
| Sodium | 9484 mg | 412% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1223.3 g | 445% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 51.4 g | 184% | |
| Total Sugars | 412.9 g | ||
| Protein | 254.3 g | 509% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.9 mcg | 59% | |
| Calcium | 1890 mg | 145% | |
| Iron | 66.8 mg | 371% | |
| Potassium | 3463 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
