Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Casserole Base
01 -
1 loaf (16 ounces) brioche bread, cut into cubes
02 -
8 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
03 -
2 cups whole milk, room temperature
04 -
½ cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
05 -
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
06 -
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
07 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 -
½ teaspoon kosher salt
→ Crumb Topping
09 -
½ cup all-purpose flour
10 -
½ cup packed light brown sugar
11 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 -
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
13 -
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
→ For Serving
14 -
Powdered sugar for dusting
15 -
Pure maple syrup
# Instructions:
01 -
Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a good coating of nonstick cooking spray. Spread your cubed brioche bread evenly across the bottom of the dish and set it aside while you mix up the custard.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together until it's completely smooth and there are no streaks of egg visible.
03 -
Pour your custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to gently press down on the bread, making sure every piece gets nice and soaked. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, though overnight works beautifully.
04 -
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks crumbly and well blended. Cover this and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
05 -
When you're ready to bake, heat your oven to 350°F. Take the casserole out of the fridge and scatter the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread.
06 -
Slide the uncovered casserole into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center feels set when you give it a gentle shake.
07 -
Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up nicely for slicing. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup on the side.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish is ideal for holiday mornings or weekend brunches since you can prep it the night before.
02 -
The casserole needs at least 4 hours to soak, but leaving it overnight gives you the best texture.
03 -
Make sure your eggs, milk, and cream are at room temperature for the smoothest custard.