Baked Brioche French Toast Squares Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Brioche French Toast Squares recipe is a delightful twist on classic French toast, perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy family brunch. Soft brioche cubes soak up a rich custard before baking to golden perfection. Serve with your favorite toppings for a sweet breakfast treat.

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf brioche bread, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
• Maple syrup (optional, for topping)
• Fresh berries (optional, for topping)
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread the brioche cubes evenly across the dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the custard evenly over the brioche cubes, pressing lightly so each piece absorbs the custard. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance the flavor.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
5. Step 5: Allow the baked French toast to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
6. Step 6: Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup. Add fresh berries or whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk and cream with almond or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter for greasing.
• Allowing the custard-soaked bread to rest overnight in the fridge deepens the flavors and improves texture.
• Mix in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture before baking.
• Instead of brioche, challah bread works wonderfully for a similar rich and soft result.

Storage

Store leftover French toast squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, brioche is ideal due to its richness and texture, but challah or other soft, thick-cut breads also work well. Avoid very dense or crusty breads as they won’t soak up the custard as nicely.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

Absolutely. In fact, soaking the bread overnight enhances the flavor and results in a more custardy, delicious French toast bake. Just cover and refrigerate the assembled dish before baking the next day.

Baked Brioche French Toast Squares Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews

A decadent and comforting baked brioche French toast casserole featuring rich custard-soaked brioche cubes baked to golden perfection. This make-ahead breakfast dish is perfect for leisurely mornings and special occasions, served with classic toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour (plus soaking time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 large loaf brioche bread, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Toppings (optional but lovely!)

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare your baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking. Distribute the brioche cubes evenly across the dish, creating a uniform layer for the custard to soak into.
2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, forming a rich custard.
3. Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard evenly over the brioche cubes in the baking dish. Press lightly on the bread so every cube absorbs the custard thoroughly. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow soaking, or overnight for deeper flavor and texture integration.
4. Preheat & bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is fully set, indicating that the custard has cooked through.
5. Cool & cut: Allow the baked French toast casserole to cool for about 10 minutes, making it easier to cut. Then slice into squares for serving.
6. Serve & enjoy: Dust the squares with powdered sugar and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant and delicious finish.

Notes

• Soaking the bread overnight intensifies flavor and ensures a custardy interior.
• Brioche is preferred for its rich buttery texture, but challah or thick white bread are good substitutes.
• Adjust sugar amount to taste for a less sweet or sweeter casserole.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free brioche or bread alternatives.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast.

Keywords: baked French toast, brioche French toast casserole, breakfast casserole, baked custard toast, holiday breakfast, brunch recipe