Description
This Texas French Toast Casserole is a savory and comforting way to transform leftover turkey into a delicious brunch or breakfast-for-dinner meal. It features thick-cut Texas toast soaked in a rich custard, layered with seasoned turkey, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (approx. 20-24 oz) Texas Toast, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8–10 cups)
- 3 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: If your Texas toast is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or simply leave them out on the counter for several hours to dry out slightly. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy casserole.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 8 eggs until they are well-beaten and uniform in color. Whisk in the whole milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until fully combined. Add the dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, and whisk again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Create the first layer by spreading half of the dried bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the Fillings: Sprinkle the shredded leftover turkey evenly over the bread cubes. Top the turkey with the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the Gruyère/Monterey Jack cheese over the vegetables and turkey.
- Complete the Assembly: Add the remaining bread cubes on top of the cheese layer.
- Pour and Soak: Slowly and evenly pour the prepared egg custard over the entire casserole. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them submerge and absorb the liquid. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Rest (The Most Important Step!): Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the savory custard, which is the secret to a perfect texture for your Texas French Toast Casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Remove the plastic wrap/foil and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. The Texas French Toast Casserole is done when the center is set (a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean), the edges are bubbling, and the top is beautifully golden brown and crusty.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up properly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving your Texas French Toast Casserole.
Notes
- For a crispier top, you can bake the casserole covered with foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 15-25 minutes.
- Ensure your bread is stale or lightly toasted to prevent a soggy bottom.
- The overnight soaking period is crucial for the best texture in your Texas French Toast Casserole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A