If you’re a fan of French toast but want to try something with a little more flair, then you’re in for a treat with sourdough French toast casserole. Imagine a warm, gooey breakfast dish that’s easy to make ahead, full of comforting flavours, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This casserole takes everything we love about French toast and transforms it into an effortlessly delicious dish that’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or just a lazy weekend morning.
What Makes Sourdough French Toast Casserole Special?
At its core, French toast casserole is all about combining the rich flavours of French toast with the ease of a bake-and-go breakfast. But when you use sourdough bread? Oh, that’s where the magic happens. The tangy, slightly chewy texture of sourdough adds a depth of flavour that’s simply irresistible when combined with the sweet and spicy elements of French toast.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a breakfast dish that feels like it came straight from a fancy brunch menu. The best part? It’s easy to make in advance, so you can prepare it the night before and simply pop it in the oven in the morning.
Key Ingredients for Sourdough French Toast Casserole
To make a delicious sourdough French toast casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Sourdough bread: The star of the show! Choose a hearty, slightly stale sourdough bread for the best results. It holds up well to the custard mixture without getting too soggy.
- Eggs: The base of the custard, providing richness and structure.
- Milk and heavy cream: For that creamy texture in the custard.
- Sugar and vanilla extract: For sweetness and flavour.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices give the casserole that classic French toast flavour.
- Maple syrup: Drizzle over the top before baking and add that irresistible sweetness.
- Butter: To dot the top for a golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Sourdough French Toast Casserole
Now that you have your ingredients ready let’s get into how to make this mouthwatering casserole. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting your sourdough bread into thick slices or cubes. You want chunks that are large enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. If your bread is too fresh, leave it out for a few hours or overnight to become slightly stale. This helps it absorb the custard without turning mushy.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The milk and cream will make the custard rich and creamy, while the eggs provide the structure. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter, then layer the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure each piece is soaked through. Use a spoon to gently press the bread down, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
Step 4: Chill (Optional)
For the best results, cover the casserole and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard and ensures a creamy, custardy texture when it bakes.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for about 45–55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. The middle should still be soft and custardy. For extra crunch, you can sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a few fresh berries or whipped cream for extra indulgence. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert!
Variations of Sourdough French Toast Casserole
The best part about French toast casserole is how easily you can customize it. Here are a few variations to make this dish your own:
- Berry Delight: Add fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries to the custard mixture or layer them between the bread slices. The juicy berries add a fresh burst of flavour to balance out the richness.
- Banana and Nutella: Slice up a ripe banana and layer it in between the bread slices, then drizzle Nutella over the top before baking. The combination of banana and chocolate is always a winner.
- Nutty Caramel: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the casserole before baking, then drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent touch.
- Savoury Twist: For a savoury version, skip the sugar and vanilla and add some shredded cheese, cooked bacon, or sautéed spinach to the bread before adding the custard mixture.
Making It Ahead of Time
One of the best things about sourdough French toast casserole is how easy it is to make ahead. You can prepare the casserole the night before, let it chill overnight, and then pop it into the oven in the morning for an effortless breakfast. It’s the perfect dish for holiday mornings, busy weekends, or whenever you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Sourdough French Toast Casserole
- Use slightly stale bread: Fresh bread can become too soggy when soaked in the custard. A day-old loaf or slightly dried-out bread works best for holding its shape while absorbing the custard.
- Don’t skip the chilling step: Letting the casserole sit in the fridge allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, ensuring a creamy, delicious texture.
- Try a mix of milk: While the recipe calls for milk and heavy cream, you can mix and match it with almond milk, oat milk, or other dairy-free options if you prefer.
The Science Behind Sourdough French Toast Casserole
When making sourdough French toast casserole, there’s a little bit of science at play, and understanding it can help you perfect your dish. Sourdough, due to its natural fermentation process, has a unique texture and flavour that gives the casserole a richer, tangy depth. The slightly sour note from the bread contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the custard mixture, making each bite an explosion of flavours. Additionally, the natural yeasts in sourdough help the bread absorb more of the custard, ensuring that each piece is perfectly soaked but not soggy.
The egg and cream mixture in the casserole acts as a custard, binding everything together and giving the casserole its creamy, soft centre. The high-fat content of the cream also helps achieve that decadent texture, while the sugar and vanilla add the sweetness you crave. When baked, the top becomes golden brown, with a crispy edge that adds texture to each bite, while the interior stays soft and custardy—just like traditional French toast.
Pairing Drinks with Sourdough French Toast Casserole
To really turn your sourdough French toast casserole into a full breakfast experience, don’t forget about the beverages. A freshly brewed pot of coffee or a pot of hot tea makes for a great pairing to balance the richness of the casserole. If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, a mimosa (freshly squeezed orange juice and bubbly) is always a classic brunch pairing.
For a non-alcoholic option, why not serve a fresh fruit smoothie? A strawberry, banana, or berry smoothie would complement the sweetness of the casserole while providing a refreshing contrast. And if you really want to get fancy, try making a spiced apple cider drink to bring in those cosy fall vibes—perfect for colder mornings.
FAQs About Sourdough French Toast Casserole
Q: Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
A: While sourdough works best for its tangy flavour and sturdy texture, you can use other types of bread, like challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply swap the sourdough for gluten-free bread. Many gluten-free breads work well for French toast casseroles, but just make sure to choose one that’s a bit hearty and warm up to the custard.
Q: How long will the leftovers last?
A: Leftover casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze sourdough French toast casserole?
A: Absolutely! After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat, sourdough French toast casserole is a winner every time. It’s customizable, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd. With its rich, comforting flavours and buttery, golden finish, this dish will quickly become a family favourite. So, the next time you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both indulgent and simple to prepare, give this casserole a try—you won’t regret it!
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! If you make this recipe, let me know how it turns out.