Description
A comforting and delicious make-ahead breakfast perfect for brunch or holiday mornings, featuring custardy bread topped with a crispy cinnamon streusel.
Ingredients
- 8 cups sturdy bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (divided)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (split)
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Start by cubing the bread into 1-inch pieces and let them dry out for a few hours or overnight.
- In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half), vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Place the bread cubes evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the custard mixture over the bread. Gently press down to soak all pieces. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In another bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and the cold butter pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create coarse crumbs.
- When ready, uncover the baking dish and sprinkle the cinnamon streusel evenly over the top.
- Bake it uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set and the streusel has turned golden and crisp.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a sweeter profile, increase the sugar slightly or add chopped fruits like apples or berries. Using stale bread ensures optimal absorption of the custard.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American