Banana French Toast Casserole

May 3, 2022

This Banana French Toast Casserole is perfect for brunch or served as a dessert.

Prep Time: 15 mins •  Cook Time: 45 mins  •  Total Time: 1 hour •  Makes: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 8 – 10  slices soft French or Whole Grain bread (cut 1/2-inch thick) – slightly stale, dry bread is best
  
• 1 ½ cups sliced bananas
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons turbinado sugar
• Powdered sugar (optional)
• Maple syrup, warmed, optional
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
2. Cut most of the slices of bread in half, and a few of the slices into quarters. Arrange the halved slices in the baking dish in rows, as shown in the picture above, to make a roughly even layer of bread. Fill in any gaps with the smaller pieces of bread.
3. Arrange banana slices evenly between the rows of bread.
4. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Melt the butter in the microwave or over the stove. Whisk the honey into the melted butter before pouring it into the egg mixture. Pour egg mixture over bread pieces and bananas. Using hands, lightly press the bread into the egg custard mixture briefly to coat the bread slices. Sprinkle the French toast with the turbinado sugar.
5. Bake, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden and a knife comes out clean. If desired, dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup.

VARIATION: Instead of powdered sugar or maple syrup, serve with bananas caramelized in brown sugar. Over medium-high heat, in a large skillet, melt and stir together 1/4 cup butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add sliced bananas (about 5 medium bananas). Bring to a simmer, and cook until the mixture thickens slightly and the bananas are glazed.