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To make this tasty dish, gather these key ingredients: - 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into cubes - 4 large eggs - 2 cups whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) - 1/2 cup apple pie filling (store-bought or homemade) These ingredients mix well to create a warm, cozy flavor. The bread absorbs the egg mixture, making it soft and delicious. You can add some fun touches with these optional ingredients: - 1/4 cup chopped pecans - Powdered sugar for serving - Maple syrup for drizzling These extras give your casserole added flavor and texture. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. For the best results, choose bread that is rich and fluffy. I suggest using: - Challah - Brioche Both types soak up the egg mixture nicely. They also add a lovely sweetness to your casserole. You can even try other bread types, like sourdough or French bread, but consider the texture and flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole cook evenly. 2. Next, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This keeps the casserole from sticking. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until smooth. 4. Cut your challah or brioche bread into cubes. Add these pieces to the egg mixture. Make sure each piece is coated well. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes. This step adds flavor and moisture. 5. Peel, core, and slice your apples thinly. Fold these slices and the apple pie filling into the bread mixture. If you like, add chopped pecans for crunch. 6. Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks properly. 1. Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. 2. Keep an eye on it. You want a nice golden brown top. 3. To check if it’s done, insert a knife into the center. It should come out clean. If it’s not clean, give it a few more minutes. When the casserole is ready, it will look golden brown on top. The center should feel firm, not jiggly. A clean knife test means it's done. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice. Enjoy your tasty Apple Pie French Toast Casserole! To get the best flavor, use fresh apples. Granny Smith adds a nice tartness. Honeycrisp gives a sweet crunch. You want a mix of tastes. Use good bread like challah or brioche. These breads soak up the egg mixture well. Let the bread sit in the mix for 10-15 minutes. This helps it absorb all the flavors. Don't skip the spices! Cinnamon and nutmeg make a big difference. One common mistake is not cutting the bread into even cubes. This can lead to uneven cooking. Another mistake is skipping the resting time. This step ensures all the bread absorbs the egg mix. If you overbake, the casserole can turn dry. Keep an eye on the time and use a knife to check doneness. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! Serve warm with powdered sugar on top. This adds a sweet touch. Drizzle maple syrup over each slice for extra flavor. You can also add more apple slices for a fresh look. For a crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans before serving. This adds texture and richness. Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea! Pro Tips Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use bread that is a day or two old. It will absorb the custard mixture better without becoming mushy. Experiment with Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great, feel free to mix in other varieties like Fuji or Braeburn for a unique flavor profile. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Add a Crunch: For a delightful crunch, top the casserole with a mixture of oats, butter, and brown sugar before baking. {{image_2}} You can easily make this casserole gluten-free. Just swap the challah or brioche with gluten-free bread. Look for a brand that has a similar texture and taste. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free, like the apple pie filling. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. While apples are great, try other fruits too! Pears add a nice sweetness. Berries bring a burst of color and flavor. You can use peaches in summer or cranberries in fall. Mix and match your favorite fruits for fun flavors. Just remember, each fruit has its own cook time, so adjust if needed. Toppings can make this dish even better. You can sprinkle chopped nuts on top for crunch. Try adding a swirl of caramel sauce for extra sweetness. If you prefer something lighter, dust with powdered sugar. For a classic touch, drizzle maple syrup before serving. Get creative and find what you like best! To store your Apple Pie French Toast Casserole, let it cool first. Once it cools, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and ready for breakfast or dessert. If you want to freeze leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cut it into pieces for easy serving later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy this tasty dish anytime! To reheat, take out the portion you want. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's warm. You can also microwave it on a plate for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds. Enjoy your delicious casserole just like new! Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. To do this, prepare the casserole up to the baking stage. Cover it well and store it in the fridge overnight. This lets the bread soak up the egg mixture. In the morning, take it out and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, bake it as usual. This makes breakfast easy and quick. If you need to replace eggs, use unsweetened applesauce. You can use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. This adds moisture and keeps the casserole fluffy. Another option is to use flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Both options work well in this recipe. You can tell the casserole is done by checking the center. Insert a knife into the middle. If it comes out clean, it is ready! The top should be golden brown and firm to touch. Bake for 45-50 minutes, but keep an eye on it. Every oven is a bit different. This blog post covered how to make apple pie French toast casserole. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking tips. I shared ideas for baked perfection and ways to avoid common mistakes. You learned about tasty variations and clever storage methods. In the end, this dish is easy and fun to make. You can delight your family with each bite and enjoy the unique flavors. Happy cooking!

Apple Pie French Toast Casserole

A delicious and comforting casserole combining the flavors of apple pie and French toast, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf challah or brioche bread, cut into cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup apple pie filling
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • to taste powdered sugar for serving (optional)
  • to taste maple syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
  • Add the cubed challah or brioche bread to the egg mixture, making sure all the pieces are coated evenly. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
  • Gently fold in the sliced apples and apple pie filling. If desired, sprinkle in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
  • Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is set in the center and golden brown on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the middle; it should come out clean.
  • Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Dust the casserole with powdered sugar before serving. Optionally, serve warm slices garnished with additional apple slices or a drizzle of maple syrup for a delightful finishing touch.
Keyword apple, breakfast, brunch, casserole, French toast