French Toast Casserole Recipe by Paula Deen
Introduction
French toast casserole is a delicious and indulgent breakfast dish that is perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings. Paula Deen, a renowned American chef and TV personality, has created her own version of this classic breakfast dish. With a combination of sweet bread, eggs, milk, and a hint of warm spices, this French toast casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch slices
– 8 large eggs
– 2 cups of whole milk
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
Cooking Instructions:
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Arrange the slices of French bread in the dish, making sure they fit snugly and slightly overlapping.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all the bread is soaked. Use a spatula to press down on the bread gently, ensuring it absorbs the liquid.
4. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will allow the bread to fully soak up the custard mixture.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the dish and drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake the French toast casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center – if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can dust it with powdered sugar or serve it with maple syrup or fresh fruit if desired.
Serving Size and Cooking Time:
This French toast casserole recipe by Paula Deen yields approximately 8 servings. The estimated cooking time, including preparation and baking, is around 5 hours (including the refrigeration time). This recipe is perfect for a crowd or for leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week. Enjoy this delicious and comforting breakfast dish with your loved ones.