french bread casserole recipe

The Best french bread casserole recipe

I’ve been making this French bread casserole recipe for years, and it’s still a family favorite. The dish is believed to have originated in France, where it was known as ‘pain perdu,’ meaning ‘lost bread.’ It’s a hearty, comforting casserole made with stale bread, eggs, milk, and cheese.

The key to making this recipe is to use day-old bread, which gives the casserole its signature texture. I love using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for an extra boost of flavor. When you take the casserole out of the oven, the top is golden brown and the inside is warm and gooey.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My kids love helping me make this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the finished product. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread or cheese.

I like to serve this casserole with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time. Simply mix together the ingredients, pour them into a baking dish, and bake until golden brown.

You can even make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

French Bread Casserole

4.8 from 1116 votes

A comforting and hearty casserole made with French bread, vegetables, and cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 loaf French bread
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Cut the French bread into cubes and set aside.
3In a large skillet heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
4Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
5Cook until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
6This will take approximately 5 minutes.
7In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined.
8Add the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
9Stir in the cooked vegetables and half of the shredded cheese.
Mix well.
10Add the bread cubes to the mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
11Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
12Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
13Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
14Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add cooked chicken or other proteins to make it a more substantial meal. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the vegetable mixture.

This French bread casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want a comforting meal after a long day. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely before refrigerating or freezing them for later use. When reheating, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm and melted throughout.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About French Bread Casserole

Q: What type of bread should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use any type of bread you like, but I find that a crusty baguette works best in this recipe. Just be sure to tear it into small pieces before adding it to the mixture.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find the combination that you like best. Some other options include Parmesan, Gruyère, or even feta cheese.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too dry?

A: To prevent the casserole from becoming too dry, be sure to add enough milk or cream to keep it moist. You can also try adding some diced ham or bacon for added flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together and make the casserole even more delicious.

Q: How long does it take to bake this casserole?

A: It takes about 30-40 minutes to bake this casserole at 350°F (180°C). Keep an eye on it after 20 minutes so that you can adjust the baking time as needed.

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