Banana French Toast Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Breakfast Recipe

Banana French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any morning. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of ripe bananas and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, inviting you to indulge in a deliciously satisfying meal. This dish not only offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures but also holds a special place in many households, often being a go-to recipe for family gatherings and brunches. The creamy custard soaked into fluffy bread, combined with the natural sweetness of bananas, creates a dish that is both indulgent and convenient. People love this Banana French Toast Casserole for its ease of preparation, allowing you to assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished staple in your breakfast repertoire!

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably brioche or challah)
• 4 ripe bananas, sliced
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Preparing the Bread and Bananas

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
2. Next, take your loaf of day-old bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, you can leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit, or you can toast the cubes lightly in the oven for about 10 minutes. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced bananas with a sprinkle of lemon juice to prevent browning. Set them aside while you prepare the egg mixture.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

1. In another large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten.
2. Add the 2 cups of whole milk to the eggs, followed by the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Now, pour in the 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and mix again until fully incorporated. This will add richness and flavor to your casserole.

Assembling the Casserole

1. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering the bread cubes evenly across the bottom. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
2. Next, gently fold in the sliced bananas and, if you’re using them, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Distribute them evenly over the bread cubes.
3. Now, pour the egg mixture over the bread and banana layers. Use a spatula to gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they soak up the egg mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that custardy texture.
4. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If you have time, you can also refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, enhancing the flavors.

Baking the Casserole

1. Once you’re ready to bake, remove the foil from the baking dish and place it in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 30 minutes uncovered. This will allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
3. After 30 minutes, check the casserole. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit more and make it easier to cut into squares.

Serving Suggestions

1. To serve, cut the casserole into squares and plate them up. I love to drizzle a generous amount of warm maple syrup over each piece for that classic French toast flavor.
2. If you want to add a touch of elegance, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a lovely sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
3. For an extra special touch, you can serve it with fresh berries or whipped cream on the side. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.

Storing Leftovers

Conclusion:

In summary, this Banana French Toast Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game. The combination of sweet, ripe bananas, fluffy bread, and a rich custard creates a delightful dish that is perfect for family gatherings, brunch with friends, or even a cozy weekend treat. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also allows for endless variations—consider adding chocolate chips for a decadent twist, or swapping in your favorite nuts for added crunch. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and experience the joy it brings to your table. Whether you serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, I promise it will be a hit. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you make on this Banana French Toast Casserole. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking! Print