Why You’ll Love This Chocolate French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Chocolate French Toast Casserole Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the comforting texture of French toast. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. The warm, gooey chocolate melts into the bread, creating a heavenly experience with every bite. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend morning, this casserole will bring joy to your table.
What You’ll Need for Chocolate French Toast Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
Complete Ingredients List
- 8 cups of sourdough bread, cubed (about 1 loaf)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting (to taste)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives
- For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.
- Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of coffee to the egg mixture.
How to Make Chocolate French Toast Casserole
Making this Chocolate French Toast Casserole is simple and fun! Follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cube the Bread
Take the sourdough bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed bread evenly in the greased baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For best results, refrigerate it overnight to allow the bread to soak up the mixture thoroughly.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Remove the cover and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate French Toast Casserole
How to Serve Chocolate French Toast Casserole
Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. You can cut it into squares for easy serving. A dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely touch.
Perfect Pairings & Toppings
Pair this dish with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. A hot cup of coffee or chocolate milk complements it perfectly!
Storing & Preserving Chocolate French Toast Casserole
Best Storage Methods
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.
Reheating or Freezing Tips
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to two months.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate French Toast Casserole Every Time
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Don’t skip the resting time; it helps the bread absorb the egg mixture.
- Make sure your oven is preheated to avoid uneven baking.
Helpful Tricks for Success
- Use stale bread for better texture and absorption.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate for unique flavors.
Fun Variations of Chocolate French Toast Casserole
Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists
Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. You can also mix in some peanut butter for a delicious twist!
Dietary-Friendly Adjustments
To make this casserole vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips.
FAQs
What If My Chocolate French Toast Casserole Doesn’t Turn Out Right?
If your casserole is too dry, it may need more liquid. If it’s too soggy, reduce the soaking time next time.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning for a quick breakfast.
What Ingredients Can I Swap?
You can swap the bread for any type you prefer, and use different types of milk or sweeteners based on your dietary needs.
PrintChocolate French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Chocolate French Toast Casserole that combines rich chocolate flavors with the comforting texture of French toast, perfect for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 cups of sourdough bread, cubed (about 1 loaf)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup of cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar for dusting (to taste)
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Cut the sourdough bread into 1-inch cubes and place them evenly in the greased baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Press down gently with a spatula and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight.
- Remove the cover and bake for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for about 10 minutes and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use almond or coconut milk.
- Swap granulated sugar for maple syrup or honey.
- Use gluten-free bread for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Add a splash of coffee for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Chocolate French Toast Casserole, Breakfast, Brunch, Chocolate, Sourdough