Ina Garten’s Baked French Toast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast dish, perfect for brunch gatherings, holidays, or a decadent weekend treat. Featuring layers of rich custard-soaked bread topped with a buttery streusel, this casserole is indulgent, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious.

What is Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole?

This baked French toast casserole is a breakfast classic made with thick slices of bread soaked in a creamy custard mixture, baked to perfection, and topped with a sweet streusel. Ina Garten’s recipe simplifies the process, making it easy to prepare ahead of time for stress-free mornings.

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Reasons to Try Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the night before for a no-fuss breakfast.
Rich and Indulgent: Creamy custard and a crispy topping create the perfect texture.
Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for holiday mornings or family brunches.
Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite flavors and toppings.

Ingredients Needed to Make Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole

For the French Toast

Challah or brioche bread – 1 loaf (about 10 cups), sliced into thick pieces
Eggs – 8 large
Whole milk – 2 cups
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Granulated sugar – ½ cup
Brown sugar – ¼ cup
Vanilla extract – 1 tbsp
Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
Nutmeg – ¼ tsp

For the Streusel Topping

All-purpose flour – ½ cup
Brown sugar – ½ cup
Ground cinnamon – 1 tsp
Salt – a pinch
Unsalted butter – ½ cup (1 stick), cold and cut into small cubes

Optional Toppings

Maple syrup – for drizzling
Fresh berries – for garnish
Powdered sugar – for dusting

Instructions to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole

Prepare the Bread: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Arrange the bread slices in the dish, overlapping slightly.
Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the custard. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Streusel: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the bread. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar and fresh berries, and serve with maple syrup on the side.

What Goes Well With Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole?

Fresh Fruit Salad: Adds a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Crispy Bacon or Sausage: Balances the sweetness with savory flavors.
Whipped Cream: A creamy topping for an extra indulgent bite.
Hot Coffee or Tea: Completes a cozy breakfast or brunch.

Key Tips for Making Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole

Use Sturdy Bread: Challah, brioche, or French bread works best as they absorb the custard without falling apart.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the bread soak overnight ensures a creamy, flavorful texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Reduce the sugar in the custard if you prefer a less sweet casserole.
Bake Until Set: Check the center to ensure the custard is fully cooked and no longer liquid.
Double the Streusel: If you love a crispy topping, consider making the extra streusel.

Creative Variations of Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole

Add Fruit: Layer sliced bananas, apples, or berries between the bread slices.
Make It Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
Infuse with Citrus: Add orange zest to the custard for a bright flavor.
Go Chocolatey: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the bread layers for a dessert-like treat.
Try Savory: Skip the sugar and add cheese, herbs, and cooked sausage for a savory twist.

Storage Guidelines for Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Later: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.
Reheat in the Microwave: Warm individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Nutrition Value

Calories: ~300 per serving (without toppings)
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fats: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: ~10% of the daily value

FAQs

Can Baked French Toast Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, baked French toast casserole is ideal for making ahead. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard for maximum flavor. Simply add the streusel topping and bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

How Do You Keep French Toast Casserole From Getting Soggy?

To prevent sogginess, use sturdy bread like challah, brioche, or French bread. Ensure the bread is slightly stale or toast it lightly before assembling. Avoid over-soaking the bread in the custard, and bake the casserole uncovered to allow the top to crisp up.

Can You Freeze Baked French Toast Casserole?

Yes, baked French toast casserole can be frozen. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.

What Is the Best Topping for French Toast Casserole?

The best topping for French toast casserole is a buttery streusel made from flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. Additional options include fresh fruit, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or maple syrup to customize the dish to your taste.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Baked French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch centerpiece. With its creamy custard, golden topping, and endless customization options, this dish is a foolproof crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or weekend mornings, this casserole is a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Give it a try, and make every morning feel special!

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