Apple French Toast Casserole

With a family of 6, I love meal prep ideas to save time, and preparing this Apple Pie French Toast Casserole the night before serving makes breakfast a breeze. This is a great option for Holiday mornings like Christmas and Thanksgiving. It's filling and can hold everyone over until the big feast! This is also a great recipe for Brunch entertaining so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.

• This make-ahead breakfast casserole is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch with the family or for easy entertaining.
• Combines French toast with the coziness of apple pie!
• So easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Easy to customize with different toppings.

• French bread: a crusty loaf holds up well to soaking overnight.
• Apple pie filling: You can certainly use a homemade apple compote or filling like these Vanilla Spiced Apples, but canned filling makes this dish super easy if you are short on time!
• Eggs: use large eggs as part of the custard.
• Milk: use any milk of your choice. We use 2%.
• Vanilla extract: use a good quality vanilla for the best taste and aroma!
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: these warming spices really give the casserole a cozy flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like flavor and sweetness to the topping.
• Pecans: are optional but add a delicious crunch and texture.
• Corn syrup: Helps create a glossy topping.
• Raisins: also optional, skip them if you don't like them.

• Step 1: Arrange bread in the casserole dish and top with apple pie filling.
• Step 2: Cover with another layer of bread slices.
• Step 3: Mix French toast custard.
• Step 4: Pour custard over casserole.
• Step 5: Prepare topping.
• Step 6: Spread topping over the bread and bake.

• Soak the casserole for at least 4 hours for best results.
• Ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated with the egg mixture. You can use a spoon to collect the custard from the side of the casserole dish and top any dry spots.
• For a crunchy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking time
• Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will ensure that it sets properly.

My favorite way to serve this casserole is with freshly whipped cream, pure maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar! You can also try these ideas:

• Drizzled with a homemade or good quality caramel sauce or dulce de leche.
• Serve with some savory sides like Sausage or Bacon.
• For the ultimate treat top it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

• This casserole is best served fresh. Leftovers can be stored, refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave until heated through.

Check out my Brunch Collection for more yummy brunch ideas!

I hope you love this Apple French Toast Casserole. If you make this recipe, leave a comment and a rating! I'd love to know how you liked it. Enjoy, xoxo!