A make-ahead brunch bake with a custardy center and crisp top, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Author:Claire
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:55 min
Total Time:6 hours 15 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Breakfast/Brunch
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 loaf (1 pound) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Streusel Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg until well combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the custard.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
About 30 minutes before baking, prepare the streusel topping. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the bread mixture.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and puffed, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Brioche bread will yield a richer, sweeter casserole, while challah offers a slightly lighter texture.
For a quicker soak, you can let the bread sit in the custard for about 1 hour at room temperature before refrigerating.
This casserole is an excellent option for holiday brunches or weekend gatherings.