Save to Pinterest Mini French Toast Casserole Bites are the perfect crowd-pleaser for any breakfast or brunch occasion. These bite-sized, golden cubes of bread soak up a rich and creamy custard spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, then bake to perfection, creating a delightful combination of sweet and tender textures. Whether you're hosting friends or just want a fun twist on traditional French toast, these casserole bites are sure to impress with their warm flavors and cozy aroma.
Save to Pinterest These bites offer a fuss-free way to transform day-old bread into a decadent morning treat. The combination of brioche or challah with luscious custard makes each mini muffin tin cup a little capsule of deliciousness, perfect for serving up at gatherings or enjoying alongside your favorite warm beverage.
Ingredients
- Bread
- 6 cups (about 12 slices) day-old brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Custard
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Topping
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking tin
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
- Fill muffin cups with bread
- Divide bread cubes evenly among the muffin cups, packing gently.
- Make custard mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Soak bread with custard
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, filling each cup to just below the rim. Gently press bread cubes to soak up the custard.
- Add topping
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle or brush over each bite.
- Let soak
- Let stand for 10 minutes to allow bread to absorb custard.
- Bake
- Bake 22–25 minutes, or until golden and set. Cool slightly, then loosen edges with a knife and remove from tin.
- Serve
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure the bread is day-old or slightly stale so it soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart. Allowing the bites to stand for 10 minutes before baking is essential for maximum custard absorption. Use a mini muffin tin for perfect bite-sized portions.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute brioche with sturdy white sandwich bread if needed. For added variety and extra sweetness, mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or fresh berries into the bread cubes before soaking.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these mini bites warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. They pair wonderfully with fresh seasonal fruit and a hot cup of coffee or tea to complete your brunch spread.
Save to Pinterest With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these Mini French Toast Casserole Bites are a delightful breakfast treat that transforms familiar flavors into a fun, shareable experience. Perfect for eyes and taste buds alike, they're sure to become a staple in your brunch rotation.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for these bites?
Brioche or challah is ideal for their soft texture and slight sweetness, but sturdy white sandwich bread can be substituted.
- → Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, assembling them ahead and allowing the bread to soak in the custard for up to an hour before baking enhances flavor.
- → How do I achieve the perfect custard consistency?
Use a balanced mix of eggs, milk, and cream whisked with sugar and spices to create a smooth custard that soaks evenly into the bread.
- → What are some tasty topping options?
A mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon brushed on top before baking adds caramelized sweetness and warmth.
- → How should these bites be served?
Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
- → Can I add any mix-ins to the custard?
Yes, adding mini chocolate chips or fresh berries to the bread cubes before baking adds variety and extra flavor.