I was in search of a frugal version of my french toast casserole. I didn't have any cream cheese on hand so I came up with a plain version. The kids LOVED it even more than before.
Quick and easy to throw together, can feed a large crowd....cheap! Easy to make variations on based on your own tastes and what you have on hand.
Overnight French Toast Casserole
1/2 C Butter
12 slices Bread
1 C Brown Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon or Baking Spice (apple or pumpkin pie spice works great)
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
6 eggs
1 1/2 c Milk (raw/sour is the best)
-Melt butter & pour in a 9X13 pan
-Wisk eggs, milk & vanilla together
-Layer bottom of pan with half the bread
-Sprinkle half brown sugar mix & some spice
-Layer second half of bread
-Pour egg mixture over all then sprinkle remaining brown sugar
-Cover & refrigerate overnight
-In the morning, cover with tinfoil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes
-Uncover and bake 15 more minutes - Done when set and slightly brown
Variations:
TONS of possible variations....use any type of old bread you have on hand....hotdog buns, challah, white, french...you name it..it will work.
Use any type of milk.....raw, almond, coconut, reconstituted....it all works fine.
Eggs.....best to use beautiful yellow pastured eggs but I have in a pinch used reconstituted whole eggs. No one ever knows the difference.
Of course...be creative and add in any kind of frozen, dried, fresh fruit. Serve with syrup, jelly, honey, butter, powdered sugar. What ever suits your fancy!.
This can easily be frozen uncooked and baked later. No need to even thaw....just increase the covered baking time until almost set.
