Syrup-on-the-Bottom French Toast Casserole

This make-ahead French toast casserole features a buttery syrup layer on the bottom that caramelizes as it bakes, adding a rich sweetness to every bite.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 382 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 6 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• salt as needed
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 1.5 cups dark brown sugar
• 1 (1 pound) loaf challah bread, cut into 1/2-inch slices

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Step 3

Combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and syrup is smooth, about 5 minutes. Pour syrup into the prepared casserole dish.

Step 4

Arrange bread slices over the syrup in the casserole dish.

Step 5

Whisk remaining 2 1/2 cups milk, eggs, vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Pour milk mixture over bread. Cover casserole dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.

Step 6

Mix white sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture over casserole.

Step 7

Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until casserole is cooked through and eggs are set, 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole will be syrupy and should thicken as it cools.