Easy Challah French Toast Casserole cover

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Easy Challah French Toast Casserole

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Easy Challah French Toast Casserole

nonstick cooking spray

1 lb day-old challah

8 large eggs

½ cup sugar

1 ¾ cups whole milk(plus 2 Tbsp)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp orange zest(optional)

⅛ tsp salt

powdered sugar(for dusting)

maple syrup(for serving)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

In another large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, orange zest, and salt and whisk until smooth. Add the bread cubes, and fold into mixture with a rubber spatula.

Transfer bread mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Bake the French toast on middle rack of oven until golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center of a piece comes out clean, 45-50 minutes.

Check to see that French toast is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Allow French toast to cool for at least 10 minutes. Prior to serving, plate toast (cut as desired), sift powdered sugar over the top, and drizzle with maple syrup. Refrigerate leftovers for 2-3 days.

Video Tutorial Bite Tutorial

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Choose Day-Old Challah Strategically 🍞
Use challah that's slightly stale (24-48 hours old) as it absorbs the egg custard better than fresh bread, preventing a soggy casserole while maintaining a custardy interior.
Overnight Soaking Elevates Flavor 🌙
Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate; this allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture and deepens the vanilla, orange, and cinnamon flavors for superior taste.
Orange Zest at Two Stages ✨
Add half the orange zest to the egg custard base for internal flavor, and reserve the rest to sprinkle on top before baking for bright, fresh aromatics that won't fade during cooking.
Maple Syrup Drizzle Timing ⏱️
Warm your maple syrup slightly before drizzling over the assembled casserole so it distributes evenly and caramelizes beautifully in the oven without pooling in one spot.
Temperature and Tent Method 🛡️
Bake at 350°F uncovered for 25 minutes, then loosely tent with foil if the top is browning too quickly, ensuring the center cooks through while the top achieves a golden, crispy exterior.