Why Make This Recipe
Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the classic flavors of French toast with the sweetness of ripe bananas. This recipe is perfect for brunch, family gatherings, or any time you want to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal. It’s easy to prepare and allows you to serve a crowd without much fuss. Plus, each bite is packed with flavor and texture, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.
How to Make Delicious Banana French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 8 slices Stale Bread (Brioche, challah, or French bread work wonderfully.)
- 6 Eggs (No substitutions recommended.)
- 2 cups Milk (Can substitute with almond milk or any milk alternative for a dairy-free version.)
- 3 large Bananas (Use ripe bananas for optimal caramelization.)
- 1/2 cup Sugar (Brown sugar or alternative sweeteners can be used if desired.)
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon (Nutmeg can be added for extra spice.)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Feel free to use margarine or oil for a dairy-free option.)
- 1/4 cup Syrup (Maple syrup is a classic choice.)
- 1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar (Great for presentation.)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the stale bread into cubes and place them in a large baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and mashed ripe bananas.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, making sure they are evenly coated. Press down lightly to soak the bread.
- Melt the butter and pour it over the top of the casserole. If desired, sprinkle with extra cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes, so the bread can absorb the liquid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Drizzle with syrup and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Delicious Banana French Toast Casserole
Serve the Banana French Toast Casserole warm, drizzled with maple syrup. It pairs well with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt on the side. This dish is great for family gatherings or brunch parties, where everyone can serve themselves and enjoy it at their own pace.
How to Store Delicious Banana French Toast Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before storing. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips to Make Delicious Banana French Toast Casserole
- Use stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soggy.
- Let the casserole sit for at least 15 minutes before baking to help the bread absorb the egg mixture.
- Feel free to mix in nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Variation
For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the bread mixture before baking. You can also experiment with different fruits, such as blueberries or strawberries, for a fruity variation.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Using fresh bread can lead to a soggier dish. Stale bread is recommended as it absorbs the egg mixture better.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next morning.
3. Is it okay to use non-dairy milk?
Absolutely! Almond milk or any non-dairy milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk to make this dish dairy-free.
Banana French Toast Casserole
A delightful dish that combines classic French toast flavors with the sweetness of ripe bananas, perfect for brunch or family gatherings.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 slices stale bread (Brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup sugar (brown sugar or sweetener alternative)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons butter (or margarine/oil for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the stale bread into cubes and place in a large baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and mashed bananas.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are evenly coated, and press down lightly.
- Melt the butter and pour it over the casserole. Optionally sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and set.
- Cool slightly before serving, then drizzle with syrup and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Use stale bread for best texture. Feel free to mix in nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 280mg