Here’s a simple and delightful recipe to whip up a Bagel French Toast Casserole for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 6-8 bagels (your choice: plain, cinnamon raisin, or everything bagels work great)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole or any milk of your preference)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing
For the Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
Instructions
Prep the Bagels:
- Slice bagels into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in a greased 9x13 baking dish.
Make the Custard Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine:
- Pour the custard mixture over the bagel pieces, ensuring all are soaked. Press lightly with a spatula to help absorb the liquid.
Let it Rest:
- Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
Prepare the Topping:
- Mix brown sugar, melted butter, and nuts in a small bowl until crumbly.
Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it as is, or drizzle with syrup or powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Tips:
- Add fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for a twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your homemade Bagel French Toast Casserole!
