Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Casserole Recipe

French bread: A loaf of French bread cut into cubes provides the base for the casserole, soaking up the egg mixture beautifully.

Eggs: These bind the ingredients together and create a custard-like texture.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create the custard base.

Heavy cream: Enhances the richness and creaminess of the casserole.

Sugar: Sweetens the dish and balances the flavors.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cinnamon.

Ground cinnamon: Provides the signature cinnamon swirl flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.

Butter: Melted butter is drizzled over the top to add richness and help achieve a golden-brown crust.

For a richer flavor, try using brioche or challah bread instead of french bread. These breads have a slightly sweeter taste and a softer texture, which can enhance the overall casserole. Additionally, to ensure even soaking, let the bread cubes sit in the egg mixture for about 10 minutes before transferring them to the baking dish. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more uniform and flavorful french toast casserole.

• french bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and buttery, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.

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

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

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that maintains the creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free option that adds a slight sweetness.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream is a dairy-free alternative that is equally rich and creamy.

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

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly floral flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a unique, sweet flavor that pairs well with cinnamon.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warm spices like nutmeg and cloves.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, slightly sweet flavor similar to cinnamon.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt is a good alternative that can be used in the same amount.

• melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free option that adds a subtle coconut flavor.

• melted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine is a non-dairy alternative that provides a similar texture and flavor.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the casserole to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• For freezing, cut the casserole into individual servings. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and use within 2-3 months for the best quality.
• To reheat from frozen, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• For a quick option, reheat frozen pieces in the microwave on a low setting, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

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

• Microwave Method: Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet. Place a slice or portion of the casserole in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a toaster oven-safe tray. Cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of reheating.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s not overcrowded. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. This method will give you a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

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

• Baking dish: Holds the bread mixture while it bakes in the oven.

• Butter or non-stick spray: Used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

• Large mixing bowl: Where you whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Whisk: Used to thoroughly mix the wet ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugar accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.

• Knife: Used to cut the loaf of French bread into cubes.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to cut the French bread.

• Spatula or large spoon: Used to gently stir the cubed bread into the egg mixture.

• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl: 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 removing it once baked.

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

Prepare ingredients ahead: Cut the french bread into cubes and measure out the milk, heavy cream, and sugar the night before.

Use pre-mixed spices: Instead of measuring out ground cinnamon and salt separately, use a pre-mixed spice blend.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Whisk efficiently: Use an electric whisk to mix the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt together faster.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.