Sweet and Savory Egg and Cinnamon Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  • 8 slices of bread, cubed
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
  3. Add the cubed bread into the egg mixture and stir until all pieces are coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid.
  4. Pour the bread and egg mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure to spread it out evenly.
  5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - Used to combine the ingredients for the casserole.
  • Whisk - To mix the eggs, milk, cream, and other ingredients thoroughly.
  • 9x13 inch baking dish - To bake the casserole in the oven.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - For accurately measuring out the ingredients.
  • Oven - To bake the casserole at the specified temperature.
  • Spatula - For spreading out the bread and egg mixture in the baking dish.

Recipe variations

  • Try adding a layer of sliced bananas or apples between the bread mixture for a fruity twist.
  • Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired flavor.
  • Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the bread mixture for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use challah or brioche bread instead of regular sliced bread for a richer and more decadent casserole.
  • For a savory twist, omit the sugar and cinnamon, and instead add cooked crumbled sausage or bacon to the mixture.
  • Experiment with different extracts such as almond or maple for unique flavor profiles.
  • Top the casserole with a streusel topping made from oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter for added crunch.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Egg and Cinnamon Casserole. This easy-to-make dish is the perfect way to start your day. You will enjoy the creaminess of the eggs and milk mixed with sweet hints from the sugar and cinnamon. Topped with a crisp, buttery crust, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, ideal for a weekend breakfast or brunch. The best part? You can prepare it ahead of time and simply bake when you're ready. Enjoy the aroma as it fills your kitchen and anticipate the sweet and savory satisfaction of the first bite.

TimeApprox. 1 hr
Servings8 servings
CaloriesApprox. 3500
Print recipe

Common questions

  1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Then, bake it the next morning.
  2. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use different types of bread such as brioche, challah, or French bread for variations in texture and flavor.
  3. Can I add other ingredients like nuts or raisins? Absolutely, you can customize this recipe by adding nuts, raisins, or even fruits like apples or berries for added flavor and texture.
  4. Can I use non-dairy milk alternatives? Yes, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version of this casserole.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Egg and cinnamon casserole, more commonly known as French toast casserole, despite its name, is not originally from France. The concept of soaking bread in a mixture of eggs and milk and then cooking it, has been traced back to the Roman Empire. The name 'French toast' was first used in 17th-century England, and was then brought to America by early settlers. In France, the dish is called 'pain perdu', meaning 'lost bread', because it was a way to use stale or 'lost' bread. Over the years, many variations of this basic recipe have evolved, and the addition of cinnamon and sugar has made it a sweet staple on breakfast and brunch menus around the world. It's interesting to note that many people enjoy this dish for dinner as well, proving its versatile appeal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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