Description
This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast dish that uses dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread cubes soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, maple syrup, and warm spices. Perfect for an overnight prep, it bakes into a comforting, golden-brown casserole ideal for family breakfasts or brunches. The recipe is dairy-free adaptable and can be topped with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 loaf (15 oz) dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 9-10 cups)
- 5 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (regular or unsweetened almond milk)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Pure maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Sliced peaches
- Toasted pecans
- Sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes, accumulating approximately 9-10 cups. This texture helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Mix the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the 5 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons melted butter or vegan butter, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Combine Bread and Mixture: Place the cubed bread into a greased baking dish and pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
- Soak Overnight: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. This step allows the bread to fully soak up the custard mixture.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve with optional toppings such as pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, sliced peaches, toasted pecans, or sliced almonds as desired.
Notes
- Be sure to use dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread to prevent sogginess. If your bread is fresh, dry it in a 250°F oven for 10-15 minutes before cubing.
- Dairy-free milk options like unsweetened almond milk work well to keep the dish dairy-free.
- You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake just before serving for convenience.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on seasonal fruits and nuts to add texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter casserole, you may add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to the custard mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 289 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 429 mg
- Fat: 9.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40.1 g
- Fiber: 2.2 g
- Protein: 8.1 g
- Cholesterol: 143 mg