Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake
Recipe Introduction: Level Up Your Brunch Game
Fancy a bit of a treat? I'm talking next level deliciousness. This Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake is about to become your new go-to for all things brunch! Get ready for a sweet and salty symphony in every bite.
A Little History (and Why You'll Love It)
This French toast bake isn't just breakfast; it's an experience. It's inspired by classic French toast but leveled up with brioche and salted caramel.
Hailing from traditional French toast recipes, this brunch casserole is perfect for making a statement.
It's a medium difficulty recipe. Prep takes around 30 minutes , and baking clocks in at 45 minutes . It yields 8-10 servings meaning it's perfect for a best breakfast casserole .
Why This French Toast Bake is a Winner
Honestly, what's not to love? The major benefit is that it's perfect for feeding a crowd! The caramel will have people hooked ! This is the dish to bring to impress.
This recipe is particularly special because it combines the comforting flavors of french toast with the gourmet touch of homemade salted caramel. Who doesn't love a bit of sweet brunch recipes ?
Getting Started: The Goods You'll Need
Ready to dive in and whip up this brioche french toast bake ? Let's gather our ingredients, shall we?
Alright, lets dive into making this Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake! Trust me, this isn't just any brunch casserole .
It's a showstopper. We're talking seriously decadent sweet brunch recipes that will impress everyone. Let's get prepped!
Ingredients & Equipment: Brunch Domination Starts Here!
This easy brunch recipe isn't tricky. The ingredient quality and proportions are the trick. Here's what you'll need for one of the best breakfast casserole experiences!
Main Ingredients: The Lineup
- Brioche Bread: 1 (1-pound) loaf (about 450g ), cut into cubes. A good brioche is rich and buttery!
- Eggs: 6 large (approx. 300g ). Free range eggs will give you a richer custard.
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups ( 480ml ). Don't skimp, it's what makes the custard creamy.
- Whole Milk: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Adds balance to the richness.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup ( 100g ) for the custard. And 1 cup (200g) for the caramel!
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons ( 10ml ). Real vanilla extract gives best results.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ). Adds a lovely warmth.
- Salt: A pinch for the custard (about 1g ), and 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ) of sea salt flakes for the caramel.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp melted ( 60g ) for drizzling, and 6 tablespoons cubed ( 85g ) for the caramel.
For this brioche french toast bake , day-old brioche is your friend! It soaks up the custard better.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Power Ups
Cinnamon and vanilla are a classic combo, right? That tiny pinch of salt in the custard, though? It amplifies the sweetness.
The star here is the sea salt in the caramel. Honestly? It's what takes it from good to oh my gosh amazing! If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of nutmeg in the custard is nice.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- 9x13 inch baking dish. Size matters! It ensures even cooking.
- Large mixing bowl. For the custard magic.
- Whisk. Get those arms working!
- Medium saucepan. For the caramel. Nonstick is your friend here.
- Candy thermometer. (Optional but recommended) for perfect caramel.
Don't have a candy thermometer? No worries! Just watch the caramel color very closely. It goes from perfect to burnt in seconds.
You can use any casserole dish, it should work, or oven safe pan.
This recipe makes for great holiday brunch recipes and can be a go-to for baked brunch ideas that everyone will enjoy! You'll be searching for more breakfast brunch recipes once you start making these!
I think this French toast casserole recipe is so easy and fun! I remember the first time I made this.
It was a bit of a disaster because I burnt the caramel. Don't make my mistake: keep an eye on it! Let me tell you: this will become your new favorite salted caramel brunch dish.
Cooking Up a Storm: The Secret to Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake
Honestly, who doesn't love a good brunch ? It's the best excuse for a lazy weekend. I'm talking about stepping up the brunch dishes game.
Forget boring cereal, we're making Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake! This isn’t just any French toast casserole recipe ; it's an experience.
We're talking layers of flavour and texture here.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
Okay, essential mise en place time! It sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready. Chop that brioche, measure those liquids.
Trust me, your future self will thank you. For time saving organization tips , get the caramel ingredients measured out beforehand.
Caramel waits for no one! Remember, sugar burns fast !
Building Your Dream Bake: A step-by-step Guide
- Caramel first! Melt 1 cup granulated sugar over medium heat until amber. This takes about 5- 7 minutes . Be patient.
- Whisk in 6 tablespoons butter , then 1/2 cup heavy cream . It'll bubble, don't freak out.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes . Set aside.
- Whisk together 6 large eggs , 2 cups heavy cream , 1 cup whole milk , 1/2 cup granulated sugar , 2 teaspoons vanilla , 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon , and a pinch of salt for the custard.
- Arrange 1 pound cubed brioche in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the custard over the bread. Push down gently to saturate.
- Drizzle with half the caramel and 4 tbsp melted butter .
- Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 40- 45 minutes .
Pro Tips for Brunch Domination
Easy brunch move: use day-old brioche. It soaks up the custard better. One of the common mistakes? Overbaking. The custard should be set, but still a bit jiggly.
I always say, for richer, more decadent flavour, assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Hello best breakfast casserole ever!
Want to elevate it further? Try a chocolate chip caramel. I love experimenting to create fun sweet brunch recipes. Trust me this will become one of your favorite holiday brunch recipes .
This baked brunch ideas will become a crowd pleaser, guaranteed.
Honestly, making caramel can be a bit scary at first. But once you get the hang of it, you'll be drizzling it on everything! And that salty sweet combo? Forget about it!
Recipe Notes
Let's dive deeper into this Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake . I want to share some extra bits to make your brunch dishes shine! Honestly, these tips are from my own kitchen adventures the good, the bad, and the slightly burnt caramel incidents.
You know?
Serving Ideas Fit for a King
Plating is everything, right? Think about dusting your Baked brunch ideas with powdered sugar for a pretty snow dusted effect. A few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries add a pop of color.
For drinks, I love a classic mimosa or a strong coffee. As for sides, some crispy bacon can create a beautiful and tasty balance.
This will make your brunch casserole look amazing and balanced!
Storage Like a Pro
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This French toast casserole recipe keeps well.
Refrigerate : Store any remaining French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days . I like to wrap individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating : Pop a slice in the microwave for about 1 minute , or reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes until warmed through.
The oven keeps it from getting soggy!
Freezing isn't ideal, as the custard can change texture, but you can give it a shot.
Twist It Up
Want to change things up? No prob.
Dietary swap? Use coconut cream and almond milk for a dairy-free version. It will still taste divine!. This is perfect for those seeking easy brunch options with dietary restrictions.
Seasonal swap ? Add diced apples and cinnamon in the fall. During Christmas or holidays, you can transform this recipe into one of the Holiday brunch recipes by adding cranberries and orange zest.
Nutrition Deets
Okay, let's keep this simple: Each serving is about 450-550 calories . You will get 10-12g of protein . There is about 25-35g of fat and 40-50g of carbs .
Brioche offers good fats, while eggs provide key amino acids. Remember, this is a treat, so eat responsibly. I think your friends will agree this is the best breakfast casserole ! If you want to try sweet brunch recipes , this should be first on your list!.
This is also a perfect Salted caramel brunch choice.
So, go forth and create some brunch domination . Don't be afraid to make a mess, experiment, and most importantly, have fun! You've got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake ahead of time for my brunch?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Assemble the French toast bake the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. This allows the brioche to really soak up the custard, resulting in an even richer flavor. Just add the melted butter right before popping it in the oven the next morning.
It's like giving yourself a lie-in, but with extra delicious rewards!
My caramel always burns! Any tips for making the salted caramel sauce without it turning into a hot mess?
Ah, the bane of every baker's existence! The key is patience and low heat. Melt the sugar slowly, swirling the pan occasionally rather than stirring, which can cause crystallization. Watch it like a hawk the moment it turns a deep amber color, take it off the heat and add the butter.
Also, a candy thermometer can be your best mate here - aim for around 340°F (170°C).
I'm catering for a crowd - can this salted caramel brioche french toast bake be doubled or tripled easily?
You bet your bottom dollar! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just double or triple all the ingredients proportionally. For a really large crowd, you might need to bake it in multiple dishes to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it might need to be extended slightly.
I'm on a dairy-free diet. Are there any substitutions I can make to still enjoy this Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake?
No worries, mate! You can easily make this dairy-free. Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and almond milk for the whole milk in both the custard and the caramel. Use a good quality vegan butter for the caramel and to grease the baking dish.
Just bear in mind that the taste and texture might be slightly different, but it'll still be a delicious treat.
What are some other exciting variations I can try with this brunch dishes recipe?
Fancy spicing things up? How about adding some chopped pecans or walnuts to the custard for a nutty twist? Or maybe a sprinkle of orange zest for a citrusy kick? For a festive touch, add some cranberries and a dash of nutmeg during the holidays. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
How long can I store leftover Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover it loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them, or they'll become rubbery. Serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of extra caramel for that "just made" feeling!
Salted Caramel Brioche French Toast Bake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
