1pound loafBrioche bread (See Recipe Notes)torn or cubed into 1" inch cubes
1cupmilk, 2% or whole
8large eggs, lightly beaten
1cuppacked light brown sugar
2teaspoonsApple Pie spice (See Recipe Notes)
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
⅛teaspoonsalt
butter for preparing baking dish
cooked bacon crumbles (optional) (See Recipe Notes)
powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Instructions
If you're including bacon in the recipe, cook 2-3 pieces; drain and crumble; set aside
cooked bacon crumbles (optional) (See Recipe Notes)
Tear or cut Brioche bread into small pieces (about 1"inch cubes); set aside
1 pound loaf Brioche bread (See Recipe Notes)
Lightly butter baking dish and set oven to 350°F
butter for preparing baking dish
In a large mixing bowl, add eggs and lightly beat; add milk, brown sugar, Apple Pie spice, vanilla extract and salt; combine well
1 cup milk, 2% or whole, 8 large eggs, lightly beaten, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons Apple Pie spice (See Recipe Notes), 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ⅛ teaspoon salt
Place bread cubes in baking dish (they don't have to be in a single layer); if you're using bacon, sprinkle some bacon crumbles over the bread
Drizzle the milk/egg mixture evenly over the bread; make sure all the bread is coated with the liquid
Place baking dish on middle rack, uncovered, at 350°F; check the casserole in 20 minutes; if the top is brown enough for you at this point, place a piece of foil loosely over the top; continue baking another 15-20 minutes or so, until the eggs are cooked (about 165°F internal temperature)
For best results, remove the French toast casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes; meanwhile, heat up some maple syrup (optional); when ready to serve, garnish the top of the casserole with a light sifting of powdered sugar and any remaining bacon pieces; serve with a big spoon and allow your guests to help themselves to the warm maple syrup
powdered sugar, Maple syrup
Notes
Bread:If you can't find Brioche bread, use a 24-pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls or a loaf of Italian bread - or plain white or wheat breadApple Pie spice:If you can't find this, substitute with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon AND 1 teaspoon of nutmegBacon crumbles:(optional but recommended)The bacon crumbles give this a nice "sweet and salty" flavor; if you're serving vegetarians or vegans, you can always leave the bacon crumbles on the side or omit them altogether.