Are you looking for a delicious and indulgent breakfast recipe that’s perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings? Look no further than this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! Made with rich custard-soaked bread and topped with a crunchy caramelized sugar crust, this French toast casserole is sure to impress. Plus, with the convenience of preparing it the night before, you can wake up to a mouthwatering breakfast that’s ready to bake. Let’s dive into the details of this irresistible recipe!
Introduction
Crème Brûlée French Toast combines two beloved breakfast classics into one unforgettable dish. With its creamy custard base and caramelized sugar topping, it’s like enjoying dessert for breakfast! The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of advance planning. By letting the bread soak in the custard mixture overnight, you ensure that every bite is infused with flavor and richness. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday brunch or a leisurely breakfast at home, this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, whole milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
- Arrange the sliced French bread in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure each slice is well coated.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight, allowing the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
Step 3: Bake the French Toast
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the soaked bread slices.
- Bake the French toast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Remove the French toast from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 4: Caramelize the Sugar Topping
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer of granulated sugar over the top of the baked French toast.
- Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crispy crust. Alternatively, you can place the French toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching it carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the French toast into individual portions and serve warm with maple syrup.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Bread Selection: While French bread works wonderfully in this recipe, you can also use brioche, challah, or any other type of hearty bread.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This French toast can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Flavor Variations: Get creative with your custard mixture by adding flavors such as orange zest, almond extract, or a splash of bourbon.
Keto and Low Carb Version
For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this recipe, you can use low-carb bread or almond flour bread in place of the French bread. Additionally, substitute the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of milk in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as skim milk, almond milk, or soy milk.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover slices of French toast in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven before serving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is a decadent and delicious breakfast option that’s sure to impress your family and guests. With its creamy custard base, crispy caramelized sugar topping, and rich flavors, it’s the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a leisurely breakfast at home, this French toast recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, whip up a batch of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast and indulge in a breakfast experience like no other!
