French Toast Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-14-ounce) loaf French bread, sourdough bread, or challah, sliced into 1-inch-wide slices
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the cinnamon apples:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup pecan halves

• For serving: 

confectioners' sugar, maple syrup, salted caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare bread: Let sliced bread sit out uncovered for a few hours or up to 1 day.
2. Make custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, apple cider, milk, brown sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Assemble casserole: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Dip bread slices in custard mixture and place in prepared baking dish. Pour remaining custard over top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 1 day.
4. Make cinnamon apples: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apples, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in pecans.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove casserole from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Spoon cinnamon apple mixture over bread, then pour any remaining sauce on top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25-35 minutes, or until center is set.
6. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners' sugar and drizzle with maple syrup or salted caramel sauce.

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cardamom or cloves to the custard or cinnamon apple mixture.
• For a richer flavor: Use heavy cream instead of milk.
• For a tangy kick: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or orange zest to the custard.
• For additional sweetness: Increase the amount of brown sugar in the custard or cinnamon apple mixture.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting French Toast Casserole!