Peach Almond French Toast Casserole Recipe

Bread: Preferably stale, this will help absorb the custard mixture better.

Eggs: These provide the base for the custard, giving it structure and richness.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create the custard.

Heavy cream: Adds a rich, velvety texture to the custard.

Sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture.

Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and enhances the flavor.

Peaches: Fresh or canned, these add a sweet and juicy element to the dish.

Sliced almonds: Provide a nutty crunch that complements the softness of the bread and peaches.

To ensure your bread absorbs the egg mixture evenly, let the casserole sit for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This resting time allows the bread to soak up all the flavors, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful French toast casserole.

• stale bread - Substitute with brioche: Brioche is rich and slightly sweet, making it an excellent alternative for French toast casseroles.

• stale bread - Substitute with challah: Challah has a similar texture and richness, perfect for soaking up the custard mixture.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a nutty flavor that complements the almonds in the recipe.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk has a creamy texture and neutral flavor, making it a suitable dairy-free option.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream adds a rich, creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream is thick and creamy, providing a similar texture to heavy cream.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and a slightly floral flavor.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract enhances the almond flavor in the recipe.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the peaches.

• sliced peaches - Substitute with sliced nectarines: Nectarines have a similar texture and sweetness to peaches.

• sliced peaches - Substitute with sliced apricots: Apricots provide a slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• sliced almonds - Substitute with chopped pecans: Pecans add a rich, buttery flavor and a crunchy texture.

• sliced almonds - Substitute with chopped walnuts: Walnuts provide a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a crunchy texture.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer individual servings, cut the casserole into portions and store them in airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab a quick breakfast or snack.
• To freeze, wrap the entire casserole or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the wrapped casserole with the date to keep track of its freshness. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating individual portions, you can use a microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
• For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh sliced almonds on top before reheating to add a bit of crunch.
• Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Peach Almond French Toast Casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.

• If you prefer a crispy texture, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet. Place a slice of the casserole in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and the edges are crispy.

• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place a portion of the casserole in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly and crisps up nicely.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking dish: Holds the bread slices and the egg mixture, allowing the casserole to bake evenly.

• Mixing bowl: Used to whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Helps to blend the egg mixture smoothly and evenly.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of milk, heavy cream, and sugar.

• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise measurement of vanilla extract.

• Knife: Used to slice the peaches if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing peaches.

• Spatula: Helps to spread the egg mixture over the bread slices evenly.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in and out of the oven.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool evenly after baking.

Use stale bread: Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, saving you time on soaking.

Pre-slice peaches: Buy pre-sliced peaches or slice them the night before to save prep time.

Mix ingredients in advance: Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract the night before and store in the fridge.

Use a food processor: Quickly slice almonds using a food processor to save time.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while assembling the casserole to streamline the process.