Bourbon French Toast Casserole Recipe

Ever had a weekend morning that feels just too epic not to celebrate with something a little extra? Enter this bourbon-spiked French toast casserole—it’s like a cozy brunch hug with a touch of indulgence!

Savor my sumptuous Bourbon French Toast Casserole, brimming with such rich delights as the creamy whole milk, the astonishingly aromatic vanilla extract, and the glorious French bread. Soak all that in a perfectly blended custard—complete with the subtle warmth of bourbon, a smidgen of ground cinnamon, and the lusciousness of brown sugar—and what do you have?

You have this sweetly topped, coarsely nutty, toasty casserole that serves breakfast-for-dinner realness.

Bourbon French Toast Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• French Bread: Provides a base of carbohydrates, giving energy and structure.
• Eggs: Rich in protein, helps bind ingredients together.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess; contains protein and calcium.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes richness; enhances the casserole’s texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dish; caramelizes when baked.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor; contributes moistness.
• Bourbon: Gives warmth; imparts a subtle, sophisticated flavor.
• Pecans: Provide crunch and healthy fats, adding texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness; adds aromatic vanilla taste.

Bourbon French Toast Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 loaf French bread (about 10 cups), cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

How to Make this Bourbon French Toast Casserole Recipe

1. To begin, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking dish, 9×13 inches in size, by greasing it.

2. Evenly distribute the cubed French bread in the baking dish.

3. In a big mixing bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, beating them together until they are entirely mixed. Use a whisk or an electric mixer on low speed for this step. The batter should have a uniform color.

4. Incorporate bourbon, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt into the egg mixture, whisking until fully integrated.

5. Distribute the egg mixture evenly across the bread cubes. As you do, press the bread gently to encourage all parts to absorb the liquid.

6. Distribute the chopped pecans with evenness and precision over the entirety of the top of the bread cubes that have been soaked.

7. Place the small pieces of unsalted butter on the top.

8. Wrap the dish in aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or do the same and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.

9. In the preheated oven, bake for 30 minutes while covered. Then, uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes more, or until the casserole’s top is golden brown and set.

10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally garnished with powdered sugar or maple syrup.

Bourbon French Toast Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13 inch baking dish
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Mixing bowl
6. Whisk or electric mixer
7. Aluminum foil
8. Knife (for cubing bread and chopping pecans, if needed)

FAQ

• Q: Can I prepare the bourbon French toast casserole in advance?A: Indeed, you can assemble the casserole the evening prior to your event, giving the bread ample time to absorb the custard-like mixture. Just be sure to cover it well and place it in the refrigerator until it’s time to bake the next day.
• Q: Is it possible to substitute the bourbon in the recipe?A: Yes, if you would rather have a version that is free of alcohol, you can replace the bourbon with a like quantity of apple juice, or it can be left out altogether.
• Q: Can this recipe be made dairy-free?A: Yes, it is possible to use almond milk and other non-dairy milks to make the dish dairy-free. For cream, use coconut cream instead.
• Q: What type of bread works best for this casserole?French bread that is stale or a day old is optimal because it takes in the custard mix very well and does not get overly sodden.
• Q: How should leftovers be stored?A. Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last there for up to 3 days and can then be reheated in the oven for the best texture.
• Q: Can I add extra spices or flavorings?Absolutely! You can add more cinnamon, or try spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist. Adjust to taste.

Bourbon French Toast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Whole Milk:
Replace cow’s milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Heavy Cream:
Utilize cream from coconuts or half-and-half as alternatives.
Bourbon:
Replace with rum or leave out for a version without alcohol.
Pecans:
Substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Butter:
Utilize coconut oil or margarine as a substitute for non-dairy ingredients.

Pro Tips

1. Bread Selection: For optimal texture, use slightly stale French bread. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better, resulting in a more uniform and flavorful dish.