Can you imagine waking up to the smell of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen? That’s the magic of this churro stuffed French toast casserole! Honestly, it’s a game changer for breakfast. I first whipped this up for a family brunch, and it turned into an instant hit—everyone was asking for seconds! The combination of soft, custardy bread with sweet, creamy filling and that crispy churro topping is out of this world!
This dish is perfect for special occasions or just a cozy weekend morning when you want to treat yourself. You can prep it the night before and bake it in the morning, making it easy to serve a crowd without the stress. Plus, who doesn’t love a breakfast that’s both indulgent and comforting? Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket! It’s not just another breakfast option; it’s a sweet morning celebration!
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this churro stuffed French toast casserole is sure to impress. Plus, it’s super customizable, so everyone can enjoy their twist on this delightful dish. So, let’s dive into why you’ll love making this recipe and how to get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This churro stuffed French toast casserole isn’t your average breakfast fare. It’s packed with flavor and brings a bit of festive fun to the table. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick & Easy: You can assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning!
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you likely have what you need on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a weekend family breakfast, or a cozy weekday treat!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish gets rave reviews from kids and adults alike—who can resist churros and French toast?
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of soft bread, creamy filling, and crunchy churro topping is pure bliss!
This recipe stands out from the rest because of its unique churro filling. You know how churros have that lovely crunch and sweet cinnamon flavor? By incorporating that into a French toast casserole, you’re creating something truly special. It’s comfort food reimagined—just the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and cozy inside.
Plus, it’s easy to customize! You can switch up the fillings or even the type of bread you use, so it fits perfectly into your family’s preferences. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients Needed
This churro stuffed French toast casserole uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavors without any fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into cubes (the richer, the better!)
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk (or your favorite milk alternative)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Churro Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Feel free to swap in different bread types or adjust the fillings based on your preferences. For example, you can use gluten-free bread or add in some chocolate chips for an extra treat! Pro tip: look for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. A good cream cheese or artisan bread makes all the difference!
Equipment Needed
To whip up this churro stuffed French toast casserole, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
No fancy equipment is required here! If you don’t have a 9×13 inch dish, a similar-sized casserole dish will work just fine. And if you want to save some time, a hand mixer can make blending the cream cheese filling a breeze!
Preparation Method
Here’s how to make this scrumptious churro stuffed French toast casserole in just a few simple steps:
- Prepare the Bread: Start by cutting the challah or brioche bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Layer the Bread: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes evenly. Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread and let it soak for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Churro Filling: In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread this mixture over the soaked bread layer.
- Add More Bread: Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese filling, then pour the rest of the custard mixture over everything. Press down gently to ensure the bread is soaking up the custard.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you want to prep ahead.
- Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s puffed and golden brown on top.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Brush this mixture over the top of the baked casserole right when it comes out of the oven.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy!
Feel free to tweak the baking time based on your oven. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will help ensure the center cooks through without burning the top!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Here are some tried-and-true tips to make sure your churro stuffed French toast casserole turns out perfectly:
- Don’t Rush the Soaking: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard for enough time is key. This helps achieve that dreamy texture!
- Watch Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. You want it golden on top but not overcooked.
- Mixing the Filling: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling. A hand mixer can help you get it super smooth!
- Multitask: While the casserole is baking, prep your toppings or set the table. It helps keep your brunch stress-free!
- Save Some for Later: If you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven!
And hey, if you happen to have any leftover churro filling, it’s delicious spread on toast or pancakes!
Variations & Adaptations
This churro stuffed French toast casserole is super versatile! Here are some ideas to mix it up:
- Fruit Additions: Toss in some fresh berries or sliced bananas for added sweetness and nutrition.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the bread layers for a sweet surprise.
- Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream and milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese.
Feel free to get creative! This recipe lends itself beautifully to personal touches, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve this churro stuffed French toast casserole warm, ideally straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh fruit
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to a month. Just make sure to reheat it in the oven for the best texture. The flavors only get better as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead option!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
This churro stuffed French toast casserole is not just delicious; it’s also packed with some nutritional goodness:
- Rich in protein from eggs and cream cheese
- Provides calcium from milk and cream
- Can be made with whole grain bread for added fiber
Keep in mind, it’s a treat, so enjoy it in moderation. Feel free to adapt ingredients for dietary considerations, like using low-fat milk or egg substitutes if needed. Just remember the love and joy that comes with sharing a delicious breakfast with loved ones!
Conclusion
This churro stuffed French toast casserole is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With its sweet, creamy filling and that irresistible churro topping, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together. I love making it for brunches or special occasions because it’s always a hit. I encourage you to customize it to your liking—you might find a new favorite variation!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Feel free to drop a comment below or share your adaptations. Let’s make breakfast a delicious celebration!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven in the morning!
What type of bread works best?
Challah or brioche is ideal, but any soft bread like French bread or Texas toast will work well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be frozen. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for the best results!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread and check that your cream cheese and any toppings are also gluten-free.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup!
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Churro Stuffed French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This churro stuffed French toast casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines soft, custardy bread with a sweet, creamy filling and a crispy churro topping. Perfect for special occasions or cozy weekend mornings!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into cubes
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Start by cutting the challah or brioche bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Layer the Bread: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes evenly. Pour half of the custard mixture over the bread and let it soak for about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Churro Filling: In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread this mixture over the soaked bread layer.
- Add More Bread: Layer the remaining bread cubes on top of the cream cheese filling, then pour the rest of the custard mixture over everything. Press down gently to ensure the bread is soaking up the custard.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you want to prep ahead.
- Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s puffed and golden brown on top.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Brush this mixture over the top of the baked casserole right when it comes out of the oven.
- Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to swap in different bread types or adjust the fillings based on your preferences. A good cream cheese or artisan bread makes all the difference!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: Churro, French Toast, Casserole, Breakfast, Sweet