This sourdough french toast casserole is the perfect make ahead breakfast for a crowd. I like to serve this with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit platter and coffee for the perfect brunch.Â
Can I prepare a French toast casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Preparing the casserole the night before allows the bread to soak up all the flavors and ensures a rich, custardy texture. Simply cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it fresh in the morning. This makes it a convenient option for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts.
What type of bread works best for French toast casserole?
Sturdy, slightly stale bread works best for French toast casseroles, as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming mushy. Sourdough is ideal for this recipe because its slightly tangy flavor adds depth, and it has a hearty texture that holds up well. Other good options include brioche, challah, or a rustic whole-grain bread, depending on your flavor preference. Who doesn’t love a breakfast casserole?!
Can I make a French toast casserole without dairy?
Yes! You can easily substitute the dairy milk in this recipe with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or any other dairy-free option you prefer. This keeps the casserole creamy while accommodating dietary restrictions. Just note that different plant-based milks may add a subtle flavor variation.
Ingredients
- bread – I prefer sourdough for this recipe, but see notes above
- butter
- brown sugar (you could substitute splenda brown sugar)
- eggs
- milk
- vanilla extract
- apple
- breakfast sausage (I buy the fully cooked chicken sausage at Costco)
- powdered sugar (optional garnish)
Why Sourdough is Great for Diabetics
Sourdough bread is often a preferred choice for people managing diabetes. Here’s why it can be a great option:
Lower Glycemic Index: Sourdough has a lower glycemic index (GI) than many other types of bread. This means it causes a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which helps manage blood glucose levels more effectively. The slow fermentation process breaks down some of the starches and sugars in the flour, making it easier on blood sugar.
Rich in Fiber and Nutrients: Many sourdough breads are made from whole grains, which contain fiber and essential nutrients. Fiber helps slow down digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, sourdough’s fermentation process often makes nutrients like iron, magnesium, and antioxidants more bioavailable.
Beneficial Probiotics: The natural fermentation process in sourdough creates beneficial probiotics that support gut health, which may indirectly impact blood sugar regulation. While most of these probiotics don’t survive the baking process, the prebiotic fibers still help foster a healthy gut environment, which is beneficial for overall health.
This unique combination of health benefits makes sourdough a great bread option for diabetics and anyone aiming to stabilize their blood sugar levels.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces sourdough bread (or bread of choice)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large apple, diced
- 8 ounces chicken sausage, thawed and diced
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
Prep the bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of melted butter. Place the cubed sourdough bread in an even layer in the dish.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Add sweetener and butter: Stir in the brown sugar and melted butter until mixed.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread in the baking dish, making sure the bread is soaked. Sprinkle the cooked sausage and diced apple over the top.
Chill: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover it, and bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with additional maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
As of the date of this publication, each serving is 10 WW points. Click here for the WW tracker. Note, after April 2024, you must click this link on your phone because it only can be tracked from your phone to your WW app. The desktop version is no longer available.
If you wanted to make a savory make ahead casserole to go along with this, check out our healthy hash brown casserole.
