Oh my goodness, you guys! I am so excited to share this ridiculously delicious recipe for Chocolate French Toast Casserole. Let me tell you, every time I make this for brunch, I feel like a culinary rockstar. Imagine the decadent flavors of chocolate and warm, gooey bread dancing together in your mouth – it’s a breakfast dream come true!
This casserole isn’t just about satisfying your taste buds; it’s also steeped in some of my most cherished memories. I recall one Sunday morning, I whipped this up for a small get-together with friends. As soon as the aroma filled the air, I knew I was onto something special. Everyone gathered around, cups of coffee in hand, and when they took that first bite, the collective “Mmmmm!” was music to my ears. If you want to make your loved ones feel extra special or simply treat yourself, this recipe is an absolute must!
What’s in Chocolate French Toast Casserole?
Let’s dive into this delightful dish’s star ingredients. Trust me, they are worth knowing about!
Brioche Bread: This fluffy, rich bread is the foundation of our casserole. It absorbs all that creamy goodness beautifully! I usually go for a good-quality loaf that’s fresh, but if you can’t find brioche, challah works just as well.
Eggs: Six large eggs add that perfect custard-like texture and richness. They’re essential for binding everything together.
Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: A combo that creates an ultra-creamy custard. I use whole milk for creaminess, and the heavy cream takes it to another level. I mean, who could resist?
Chocolate Chips: You can’t have a chocolate casserole without chocolate chips! I’m all about semi-sweet, but dark chocolate lovers will not be disappointed either.
Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness brightens everything up. We’re baking, after all!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the chocolatey goodness shines! Just a half-cup adds depth and richness to the dish.
Vanilla Extract: Just a dash enhances all the flavors. I usually stick to pure vanilla extract because the flavor is out of this world.
Ground Cinnamon: I love the warmth cinnamon adds to the dish. It’s like a hug in a casserole!
Pinch of Salt: Just a little salt boosts all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Fresh Raspberries and Blueberries: Not only do they make the dish Instagram-worthy, but they also add a burst of freshness with each bite!
Maple Syrup: Because what’s French toast without syrup? It’s the must-have drizzle that completes your slice.
Whipped Cream: (Optional) For those of you who want to take this to dessert levels – I see you!
Is Chocolate French Toast Casserole Good for You?
Now, let’s chat a bit about health. While this casserole is undeniably indulgent, it does carry some nutritional treasure!
Brioche Bread: As a richer bread choice, it has more fat, giving it a delightful texture, but be mindful if you’re watching carbs or sugars.
Eggs: Packed with protein and healthy fats, eggs are a fantastic source of nutrition. They fill you up, too!
Milk and Cream: These provide calcium and vitamins. But yeah, they can be a little heavy on the waistline, so a lighter version with low-fat dairy can be used if you prefer.
Chocolate: The funny thing is, chocolate can actually have health benefits! It’s full of antioxidants and can uplight your mood. Moderation is key, of course!
Overall, this casserole is a delightful treat perfect for special occasions, but I’d keep it as an occasional indulgence if you’re watching your diet!
Ingredients
– 1 loaf of brioche bread (about 12-14 ounces), cut into cubes
– 6 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– Fresh raspberries and blueberries for garnish
– Maple syrup for serving
– Optional: whipped cream for serving
Serves: 8-10 people
How to Make Chocolate French Toast Casserole?
Ready to whip up this mouthwatering dish? Here’s how you do it:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish – this’ll keep things from sticking!
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Ahh, that luscious custard base!
3. Place the bread cubes into the greased baking dish. Arrange them evenly, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
4. Pour that delicious egg mixture over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure all the bread gets nice and soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb that goodness.
5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top. Go ahead and be generous here – nobody ever complained of too much chocolate!
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up and the top looks golden and set.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Anticipation is part of the experience!
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh raspberries, blueberries, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Add whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent. Enjoy your Chocolate French Toast Casserole!
Brunch Perfection Tips!
Here are some additional tips to elevate your casserole perfection:
– **Make-Ahead**: You can assemble this casserole the night before, cover it with foil, and pop it in the fridge. Just bake it in the morning for a quick brunch prep!
– **Toppings**: Feel free to change up the fruit toppings or even sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch.
– **Pairing**: Serve with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for some savory balance to the sweetness.
– **Storage**: If you have leftovers (doubtful, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
So there you have it! Don’t just let this recipe sit in your bookmarks – give it a whirl! Your taste buds will thank you, and trust me, everyone who takes a bite will be showering you with compliments. I’d love to hear all about your experience whipping up this sweet treat, so after you make it, don’t be shy! Give me a shout! Happy cooking!
