**Ultimate French Toast Recipe Casserole Paula Deen for a Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast**
Guide or Summary：French Toast Recipe Casserole Paula Deen is a delightful combination of rich, creamy custard-soaked bread, topped with a crunchy streusel a……
Guide or Summary：
Looking for a crowd-pleasing breakfast dish that combines the comfort of French toast with the convenience of a casserole? Look no further than this ultimate French Toast Recipe Casserole Paula Deen. This delicious and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family gatherings, holiday mornings, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a special breakfast.
French Toast Recipe Casserole Paula Deen is a delightful combination of rich, creamy custard-soaked bread, topped with a crunchy streusel and baked to perfection. The recipe, inspired by the famous Southern chef Paula Deen, takes traditional French toast to a whole new level by transforming it into a luscious casserole that can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
### Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Bread**: Start by cutting the French bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Make sure the bread is evenly distributed to ensure even soaking and baking.
2. **Make the Custard**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This mixture will serve as the custard base for your casserole.
3. **Soak the Bread**: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down the bread, ensuring that every piece is soaked in the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. **Prepare the Streusel Topping**: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
5. **Bake the Casserole**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread cubes.
6. **Cook to Perfection**: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
7. **Serve and Enjoy**: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This French Toast Recipe Casserole Paula Deen is best enjoyed warm, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
### Tips for Success
- **Bread Choice**: While French bread is recommended, you can also use brioche, challah, or any sturdy bread that can hold up to the custard soaking.
- **Make-Ahead**: This casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it the night before and simply bake it in the morning.
- **Add-Ins**: Feel free to customize your casserole with add-ins like fresh berries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
This ultimate French Toast Recipe Casserole Paula Deen is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its rich flavor, creamy texture, and crunchy topping make it a standout dish that’s perfect for any special breakfast or brunch occasion. Enjoy!