Syrup on the Bottom French Toast Casserole

This make-ahead French toast casserole recipe features a 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

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Combine 1/2 cup whole milk, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, 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 baking dish.

Step 3

Arrange bread slices over syrup.

Step 4

Whisk remaining 2 1/2 cups milk, eggs, vanilla, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl; pour over bread. Cover baking dish with plastic wrap; refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove casserole from refrigerator; uncover.

Step 6

Combine white sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl; sprinkle over casserole. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil; 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.