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Vanilla Bean French Toast Casserole

A thick, golden-brown slice of Vanilla Bean French Toast Casserole showing visible vanilla bean specks on a white plate.
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Prepare a rich, make-ahead French toast casserole featuring the deep flavor of real vanilla bean seeds baked into a fluffy custard.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (1 pound) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Butter, for greasing dish

Instructions

  1. Lightly butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
  3. Scrape the seeds from the split vanilla bean directly into the custard mixture. Whisk well to distribute the seeds.
  4. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to soak the bread.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 12 hours).
  6. When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Remove the plastic wrap.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed, golden brown on top, and the center is set (a knife inserted near the center comes out clean).
  8. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For the best vanilla flavor, use a Madagascar or Tahitian bean. Ensure you scrape all the tiny black seeds out of the pod.
  • If you do not have time to soak overnight, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, though the texture will be less uniform.
  • Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/vanilla-bean-french-toast-casserole-2/