French Toast Breakfast Bake

French Toast Breakfast Bake is an indulgent breakfast that starts with cubes of bread that are soaked in a rich custard mixture of eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla and baked until golden brown and puffy. The result is a fluffy, custardy, and comforting breakfast treat that's reminiscent of classic French toast but with a more decadent and satisfying texture. It can be served with a variety of toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. It can also be prepared in advance and baked the next day for an easy and quick breakfast.

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup plus 1 tbsp packed brown sugar, divided

• 1 loaf French bread or sourdough bread, cut into 1" cubes

• 6 eggs

• 1.5 cups milk

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tsp cinnamon, divided

• ½ cup chocolate chips

• Powdered sugar, for topping (optional)

• Maple syrup, for serving

• Fresh fruit, for serving (such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries)

Directions:

1. Preheat your grill to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9 x 13” baking dish.

2. In a small saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop, melt the butter and stir in 1 cup (220 g) of brown sugar. Cook until the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture is smooth, 5 to 8 minutes. Pour the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Scatter the bread cubes evenly in the baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Add the bread cubes to the mixture and pour the mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon (9 g) of brown sugar. Top with chocolate chips. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

4. Place the baking dish on the grill and cook for 45 minutes. Uncover and cook for 15 to 20 more minutes, or until the center is set and no longer wiggly. Insert a toothpick into the center to check; it should come out clean. Cook longer if you want the bread on top to be browner and crunchier.

5. Remove the baking dish from the grill and let cool for 5 minutes. Dust the French Toast Breakfast Bake with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.

6. Note: If you are preparing the French Toast Casserole in advance, simply add all the ingredients to the baking dish, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator. Let the casserole sit on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes after removing it from the refrigerator before cooking.