Ah, breakfast! It’s that magical time of the day when the aroma of something warm and sweet fills the house, and everyone gathers around the table with sleepy smiles. Growing up, my family had a tradition of making something special for breakfast on weekends—like pancakes, waffles, or a big ol’ stack of French toast! But let me tell you, nothing quite beats the cozy comfort of my Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. This dish combines all the goodness of traditional French toast with the heartwarming flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples, making it the perfect centerpiece for any breakfast gathering. I remember the first time I made it for friends; the way they all devoured it with delight made my heart sing! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this recipe to your breakfast tradition, too.

Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful casserole:

6 slices of bread: You can use any type you love—white, whole wheat, or even brioche for that extra richness! Just make sure to cube it into bite-sized pieces.
2 cups of diced apples: I like to use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. It adds a lovely depth of flavor!
4 eggs: These will help bind everything together and give it that fluffy texture we all crave.
1 cup of milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk if you prefer.
1/4 cup of sugar: Just enough to sweeten it up without being overpowering. You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor if you like!
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: This adds a warm, inviting aroma. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon: The star spice of this dish! It infuses everything with its warm, cozy flavor.
1/4 teaspoon of salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all those delicious flavors.
Butter for greasing: You’ll need this to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick to the pan. Plus, it adds a bit of buttery goodness!

How to Prepare Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious casserole! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, gooey breakfast ready in no time.

Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Grease the baking dish: Grab your favorite baking dish and generously grease it with butter. This little step is crucial to keep everything from sticking!
Cube the bread: Take those slices of bread and cut them into bite-sized cubes. I usually aim for about 1-inch pieces to ensure they soak up all that delicious egg mixture.
Layer the bread: Place the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish, making sure it’s nice and snug.
Add the apples: Sprinkle the diced apples over the top of the bread. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens!
Mix the egg mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure it’s all well combined—no one wants a clump of sugar in their slice!
Pour it on: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the bread and apples, making sure everything gets a good soaking. You want each piece to soak up that sweet goodness.
Let it sit: Here’s a key step—let your casserole sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb the liquid and become fluffy and delightful.
Bake it up: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and puffy. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Serve warm: Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Enjoy it warm with your favorite syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates a cozy, comforting taste that everyone will adore.
Perfect for Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s a brunch with friends or a family get-together, this dish never fails to impress.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning—so convenient!
Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite nuts or berries for an extra twist. The options are endless!
Warm & Comforting: There’s just something about a warm slice of this casserole that feels like a hug in a dish.

Tips for Success with Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Now that you’re all set to make this delicious casserole, let me share some pro tips to ensure it turns out just perfect!

Choose the Right Bread: While you can use any bread, I highly recommend brioche or challah for that extra richness and flavor. They soak up the egg mixture beautifully!
Soaking Time: If you have time, let it soak for a bit longer—up to 30 minutes is even better! This gives the bread more time to absorb the flavors and results in a creamier texture.
Add a Crunch: Consider tossing in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. Just sprinkle them over the apples before you pour on the egg mixture!
Spice it Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices! A dash of nutmeg or ginger can add an exciting twist to the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions: Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh fruit on top can also elevate it to a whole new level!
Leftover Magic: If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), just reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and tasty breakfast the next day.

Variations of Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

If you’re feeling adventurous (and let’s be honest, who isn’t when it comes to breakfast?), there are so many fun ways to customize this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole to make it your own! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Nuts Galore: Add a crunchy twist by tossing in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just sprinkle them over the apples before pouring the egg mixture for that delightful crunch!
Berry Bliss: Swap out some of the apples for fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. Their tartness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dish!
Banana Delight: For a tropical touch, layer in some sliced bananas along with the apples. They’ll caramelize beautifully while baking, giving you that sweet, banana bread vibe!
Spice It Up: Don’t be shy with the spices! Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the egg mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Maple Pecan: Drizzle some maple syrup over the bread before adding the egg mixture for a sweet surprise. You can even mix in some chopped pecans for that classic flavor combo.
Chocolate Chip Heaven: If you’re in the mood for something a little decadent, toss in a handful of chocolate chips with the apples. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your ultimate breakfast casserole! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

Nutritional Information for Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Let’s talk nutrition! Knowing what’s in your delicious breakfast casserole can be super helpful, especially when you want to enjoy it guilt-free. Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 piece) of this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole:

Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 6g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. But don’t worry—this casserole is not only delicious but also packed with comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients that make it a great start to your day!

FAQ about Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven in the morning, and you’ll have a warm breakfast without any hassle!

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen apples before adding them to the casserole. This will help keep the texture just right!

What type of bread works best for this casserole?
I recommend using brioche or challah for a rich, soft texture. But feel free to experiment with sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread if that suits your needs!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Can I add other fruits to this casserole?
Definitely! You can mix in berries, bananas, or even pears for a twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content to ensure your casserole bakes perfectly!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Now, let’s talk about what to do with those delicious leftovers! If you’re lucky enough to have some casserole left after breakfast (which, let’s be honest, is pretty rare!), here’s how to store and reheat it so it stays just as tasty as the first day.

Storing Leftovers: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. I love using glass containers because they don’t retain odors!
Reheating: When you’re ready to dig in again, simply pop a piece in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s strength. If you prefer, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just cover it with foil to keep it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions: When reheating, consider adding a splash of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of yogurt can also elevate it!

And there you have it! Easy peasy storage and reheating tips to make sure every bite of your Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is just as delightful as the first time you enjoyed it. Happy eating!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

For tips on using apples in cooking, visit Healthline for nutritional information.

Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole: 5 Cozy Delights

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy breakfast casserole featuring apple and cinnamon.

Ingredients

Scale

6 slices of bread
2 cups of diced apples
4 eggs
1 cup of milk
1/4 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Butter for greasing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a baking dish with butter.
Cube the bread and place it in the dish.
Spread the diced apples over the bread.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and apples.
Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Serve warm.

Notes

Use any type of bread you prefer.
Can add nuts for extra crunch.
Best served with syrup or whipped cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

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