CREMA CATALANA-FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE
 
Prep time
Cook time
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This delicious breakfast casserole pays homage to the iconic dessert of Spain: Crema Catalana. Not unlike Creme Brulee, this custardy masterpiece will delight your sweet tooth and charm your guests. It is perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch.
Author:
Recipe type: Breakfast or Brunch
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • ½ Cup (1 stick) Butter
  • 1 Cup Firmly Packed Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
  • Pinch of Cinnamon
  • 1 Large Loaf French Bread, Sliced in 1" Slices, Heels Discarded
  • 6 Large Eggs, Beaten
  • ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1-1/2 Cup Half & Half
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Teaspoon Lemon Zest
  • ¼ Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
  1. Add butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and cinnamon to a small sauce pan.
  2. Over low heat, cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
  3. Remove from heat and pour into a 9" x 13" baking dish.
  4. Dip each bread slice in the caramel sauce, coat one side.
  5. Place bread slices in baking dish at a angle.
  6. Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl.
  7. Add sugar, half & half, vanilla extract, lemon zest and salt to the eggs and whisk to combine.
  8. Pour egg custard mixture over the bread, nudging each piece open, allowing it to absorb the custard.
  9. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  10. Before baking, remove casserole from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
  11. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  12. Cover casserole loosely with aluminum foil.
  13. Bake for 30 minutes.
  14. Remove foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until custard is set and toast is lightly browned.
  15. Serve hot.
Recipe by After Orange County at http://afterorangecounty.com/2014/03/07/crema-catalana-french-toast-casserole/