Baked Apple French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: The base of the casserole, providing a sturdy yet absorbent texture.

Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and create a custardy texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the dish.

Apples: Provide a sweet and slightly tart contrast to the rich custard.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.

Butter: Adds richness and helps to create a golden, crispy top.

When preparing the apples, consider using a mix of varieties such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness. To prevent the bread from becoming too soggy, allow the egg mixture to sit and absorb for at least 10 minutes before baking. This ensures that every piece is evenly soaked and results in a more uniform texture.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, which adds a delightful flavor and texture to the casserole.

• french bread - Substitute with challah: Challah is slightly sweet and soft, making it an excellent alternative for a tender and flavorful casserole.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the casserole.

• eggs - Substitute with silken tofu: Use ¼ cup of blended silken tofu per egg. It provides a similar texture and is a good vegan option.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in baking and adds a subtle nutty flavor.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture, along with a hint of coconut flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a slight caramel flavor that complements the dish.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant nutty flavor that pairs well with apples.

• cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warm spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding depth to the flavor.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that can be used in place of cinnamon.

• apples - Substitute with pears: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• apples - Substitute with peaches: Peaches provide a juicy and sweet flavor that works well in a baked casserole.

• brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and a slight caramel flavor, making it a good alternative.

• brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a rich flavor.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor and works well in baking.

• melted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that can be used in place of butter for a similar texture and flavor.

• Allow the baked apple French toast casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole or individual portions in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will help retain the texture better.

• For long-term storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, portion out the casserole into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents.

• Freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap and cover the casserole with foil. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, microwave on a defrost setting first, then heat on high for 1-2 minutes.

• For an extra touch of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving. This can help revive the flavors after freezing and reheating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked apple French toast casserole in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
  5. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated thoroughly, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
  3. Place a portion of the casserole in the skillet.
  4. Cover with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place a portion of the casserole on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, removing the foil for the last few minutes for a crispy top.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. For a crispier texture, increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the last 2 minutes.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking dish: Holds the cubed French bread and other ingredients while baking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

• Whisk: Helps in thoroughly mixing the egg mixture.

• Knife: Essential for peeling, coring, and slicing the apples.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the apples.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of milk and brown sugar.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of vanilla extract and cinnamon.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes.

• Small saucepan: Used to melt the butter before drizzling it over the casserole.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the baking dish in the oven and taking it out.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop and slice the apples and cube the french bread the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-sliced bread: Opt for pre-sliced french bread to eliminate the need for cutting.

Mix wet ingredients ahead: Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon the night before and store in the fridge.

Assemble and refrigerate: Assemble the entire casserole the night before and refrigerate. Simply bake it in the morning.

Use a food processor: Quickly peel, core, and slice the apples using a food processor to save time.