Crème Brûlée French Toast
Today’s recipe is budget-friendly dinners. Breakfast for dinner is nothing new, so why not expand beyond the usual eggs, pancakes, and waffles to an elegant French toast casserole. This make-ahead creme brulee French toast has been one of my go-to brunch recipes for over a decade. I’ve made it for birthday gatherings, teacher breakfasts, and when out of town family comes for a visit. If you love creme brulee, give this exquisite, make-ahead breakfast recipe a try!
Like with many tasty, make-ahead breakfast casseroles, the prep is done the day before, all you need to do in the morning is brew the coffee and fry up some bacon and, voilà, you have a splendid, inexpensive meal. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch and/or dinner, and as a bonus, it’s an entrée and dessert all in one!
Ingredients
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1/2 stick butter
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon corn syrup
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A half loaf of brioche or challah bread
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3 eggs
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3/4 cup half and half
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1 teaspoon vanilla
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2 teaspoons Grand Marnier, optional (just add another teaspoon of vanilla if you omit the Grand Marnier)
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Pinch of salt
Instructions
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In a saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring till smooth and sugar is dissolved. Pour into a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Cut one-inch slices of bread and arrange in one layer over caramel, cutting a slice if needed to cover completely.
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Whisk together eggs, then add half and half, vanilla, Grand Marnier (if using) and a pinch of salt. Pour over bread, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
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The next morning, bring French toast out of the fridge and allow to sit at room temperature about an hour. Preheat oven to 350º. Bake, covered, till puffed and golden, about 25-30 minutes.
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To serve, flip slices so caramel layer is on top. Serve with berries and real maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Easily doubles. Use a 9 x 13 dish and bake for 35-40 minutes.
References: https://www.thatskinnychickcanbake.com/make-ahead-creme-brulee-french-toast/