Name: Peach Melba French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 21 oz brioche loaf; 2 tbsp butter; 8 oz Peaches; 6 oz raspberries; 8 large eggs; 2⅓ cups heavy whipping cream; ¾ cup sugar; ¾ tsp salt; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; For Topping:; 2 tbsp sugar; ½ cup almonds; For Raspberry Sauce:; 10 oz raspberries; ¼ cup sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ⅛ tsp salt

Immerse yourself in the sweet, creamy delight of Peach Melba French Toast Casserole. This dish takes the iconic dessert of peaches and raspberry sauce, and repurposes it into a decadent breakfast casserole. Made with brioche loaf and fresh fruits, it's then soaked in a delicious vanilla-cream custard. This irresistible brunch staple will make your morning extra special.

Photos of Peach Melba French Toast Casserole Recipe

Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be readily available in your pantry. Brioche loaf, a rich and buttery French bread, is a key ingredient. It might be found in the bakery section of your supermarket. Fresh peaches and raspberries are also needed. However, if these aren't in season, frozen variants can be used. Just remember to thaw them before using. Almonds add a nice crunch to the dish, these can be found in the nuts section.

Ingredients for Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

Brioche loaf: This is a rich and soft French bread that has a lightly sweet and buttery flavor which is perfect for a sweet breakfast casserole.

Butter: Adds richness and helps to prevent the toast from sticking to the baking dish.

Peaches: They add a juicy and sweet element to the dish.

Raspberries: They provide a tangy contrast to the sweet peaches and custard.

Eggs: They are the base of the custard, providing structure and richness to the casserole.

Heavy whipping cream: Makes the custard extra creamy and rich.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the fruit.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.

Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, sweet aroma and flavor to the custard.

Almonds: They lend a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.

One reader, Jennee Bueno says:

This peach melba French toast casserole recipe is a game-changer! The combination of peaches, raspberries, and brioche is simply divine. The custard is rich and flavorful, and the raspberry sauce adds the perfect touch of sweetness. It's a delightful breakfast treat that's sure to impress!

Jennee Bueno

Techniques Required for Making Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

How to prepare the casserole: A step-by-step guide on assembling the casserole, including layering the bread, fruit, and custard mixture.

How to make the raspberry sauce: Instructions on cooking and straining the raspberry sauce, including mashing the berries and straining the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.

How to bake the casserole: Guidelines for preheating the oven, baking time, and visual cues for doneness.

How to serve the casserole: Suggestions for resting the casserole, cutting into pieces, and drizzling with raspberry sauce before serving.

How To Make Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

This French toast casserole is baked with custard-soaked bread, fresh sweet peaches and tart raspberries, for a decadent breakfast or brunch meal!

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Total: 1 hour 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

21ozbrioche loaf,(2 large), challah, or crusty bread
2tbspbutter,softened
8ozpeaches,fresh or frozen, peeled and sliced ½-inch thick
6ozraspberries,fresh or frozen
8large eggs
2⅓cupsheavy whipping cream
¾cupsugar
¾tspsalt
1tbspvanilla extract

For Topping:

2tbspsugar
½cupalmonds,sliced, optional

For Raspberry Sauce:

10ozraspberries,fresh or frozen
¼cupsugar
1tspvanilla extract
⅛tspsalt

Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously spread 2 tablespoons of butter on the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cut or tear the bread into 2×2-inch pieces. Place an even layer of bread on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Dot the top of the bread with ⅔ of the raspberries, and layer all of the peach slices around the raspberries.
Top with another layer of bread pieces. Tuck the remaining berries into cracks and crevices on the top of the dish.

Custard:

In a large bowl, aggressively whisk together the eggs for 30 seconds. Add the heavy cream, sugar, extract, and salt. Whisk aggressively together for about 1 minute.
Pour the custard over the bread and fruit mixture. Gently smoosh the bread down into the custard.
Sprinkle the top evenly with 2 tablespoons of sugar and sliced almonds.

To Bake:

* Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F when ready to bake.
Bake the casserole for 50 minutes. The bread will puff up and the top should be golden with toasty bits.

Raspberry Sauce:

Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and set aside.
Set a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the frozen raspberries, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Stir occasionally while mashing the berries down with the back of a spatula, for about 5 to 7 minutes, while gently simmering. Don’t boil or aggressively summer.
Once the berries have released their juices, pour the sauce through the fine-mesh sieve, pressing down to release as much of the sauce as possible. Discard the solids.
Remove the French toast casserole from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Cut into pieces, and transfer to a plate.
Drizzle each piece with raspberry sauce, then serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*At this point, the casserole can be baked right away, or covered and refrigerated overnight and baked in the morning.

Nutrition

Calories: 504.90kcal
Fat: 28.46g
Saturated Fat: 13.94g
Trans Fat: 0.09g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.72g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.79g
Carbohydrates: 51.77g
Fiber: 4.63g
Sugar: 24.71g
Protein: 11.76g
Cholesterol: 217.79mg
Sodium: 424.02mg
Calcium: 122.52mg
Potassium: 277.52mg
Iron: 2.65mg
Vitamin A: 294.76µg
Vitamin C: 11.43mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

To ensure that the brioche in your peach melba french toast casserole absorbs the custard evenly, it's best to use day-old bread. If you don't have any on hand, you can dry out fresh bread in the oven. Simply spread the bread pieces on a baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until the bread is dry but not toasted. This will help the bread soak up the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. This way, all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven.

Use pre-sliced bread: Save time by using pre-sliced brioche bread instead of cutting and tearing a whole loaf.

Substitute Ingredients For Peach Melba French Toast Casserole Recipe

brioche loaf - Substitute with challah bread: Challah bread has a similar rich and eggy texture, making it a suitable replacement for brioche in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle tropical flavor and richness similar to butter, while also being a dairy-free alternative.
peaches - Substitute with nectarines: Nectarines have a similar flavor and texture to peaches, making them a great substitute in this recipe.
raspberries - Substitute with blackberries: Blackberries have a slightly tart and sweet flavor similar to raspberries, and their texture works well in this dish.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: For a vegan option, flax eggs can be used as a binding agent in place of regular eggs.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy whipping cream, and it's a great dairy-free alternative.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, serving as a natural alternative to granulated sugar.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can impart a nutty and sweet flavor similar to vanilla, adding a unique twist to the dish.
almonds - Substitute with pecans: Pecans can provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor to almonds, complementing the dish as a topping.
raspberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries can be used to make a delicious strawberry sauce, providing a sweet and fruity alternative to raspberry sauce.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used to sweeten the raspberry sauce, adding a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Essential Tools for Making Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

Baking dish: A rectangular or square dish used for baking and serving casseroles, desserts, and other dishes.
Butter: A dairy product used for cooking, baking, and flavoring various dishes.
Fine-mesh strainer: A kitchen tool with a fine mesh used for straining liquids, sifting dry ingredients, and removing solids from sauces.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and flipping food items.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, and cooking small quantities of food.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, preparing batters, and holding food items during cooking and baking.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Your Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

Let the french toast casserole cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator:
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, remove the covering and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
To freeze the entire casserole:
- Wrap the cooled casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Label the dish with the name of the recipe and the date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, remove the casserole from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Remove the covering and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
To freeze individual portions:
- Cut the cooled casserole into serving-sized pieces.
- Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Label the container or bag with the name of the recipe and the date.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat, remove the desired number of pieces from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Unwrap the pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Store any leftover raspberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How To Reheat Leftover Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

To reheat leftover peach melba french toast casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and drying out. Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to crisp up the top layer.
Another option is to reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a single serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed to your liking. If the casserole seems dry, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to help moisten it before microwaving.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat individual portions in a skillet. Melt a small amount of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a slice of the casserole and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat smaller portions of the casserole quickly and easily. Place a slice of the casserole on a toaster oven tray and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on top.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the casserole with a food thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. If the casserole seems dry after reheating, drizzle some warm raspberry sauce over the top to add moisture and enhance the flavors.

Interesting Trivia About Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

The Peach Melba French Toast Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic French toast, incorporating the flavors of peaches and raspberries. This dish was inspired by the famous dessert Peach Melba, which was created by the French chef Auguste Escoffier to honor the Australian soprano Nellie Melba. The combination of sweet peaches, tart raspberries, and creamy custard makes this casserole a delicious and indulgent breakfast or brunch option. It's a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a beloved dessert in a new and creative form.

Is Making Peach Melba French Toast Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?

This peach melba French toast casserole recipe can be cost-effective for a household. The brioche loaf, eggs, and cream are versatile ingredients that can be used in various dishes. However, the cost of fresh peaches and raspberries may vary based on the season and location. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, depending on the availability and quality of the fruits. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its delicious flavor, versatility, and the potential to be a crowd-pleaser.

Is This Peach Melba French Toast Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?

While the peach melba french toast casserole recipe sounds delicious, it is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe uses a brioche loaf, which is a type of bread that is high in butter and sugar, making it calorie-dense and low in fiber.
The custard mixture contains heavy whipping cream, sugar, and a significant number of eggs, all of which contribute to the high calorie and fat content of the dish.
The topping includes additional sugar and almonds, which, while providing some healthy fats, also add to the overall calorie count.
The raspberry sauce, although made with fruit, is still high in sugar due to the added sweetener.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the brioche loaf for a whole grain bread that is higher in fiber and lower in fat and sugar.
Replace some or all of the heavy whipping cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
Reduce the amount of sugar used in the custard mixture and the raspberry sauce, or consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in smaller quantities.
Instead of using only peaches and raspberries, incorporate a variety of fruits to increase the nutritional value and fiber content of the dish.
Reduce the number of eggs used in the custard mixture, or consider using egg whites instead of whole eggs to lower the cholesterol content.
Opt for a smaller portion size when serving, as this dish is still likely to be high in calories even with healthier modifications.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

This Peach Melba French Toast Casserole recipe is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish. The combination of brioche, peaches, and raspberries creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The custard adds a rich and creamy element, while the raspberry sauce provides a sweet and tangy finish. The use of almonds adds a delightful crunch to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence, making it a wonderful choice for a special brunch or breakfast gathering.

Enhance Your Peach Melba French Toast Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus: Try serving with a side of roasted asparagus spears drizzled with balsamic glaze for a savory and slightly tangy contrast to the sweetness of the French toast casserole.

Grilled Pork Chops: Pair the peach melba French toast casserole with some juicy grilled pork chops for a satisfying and hearty meal that balances the flavors of the dish.

Mango Salsa: For a tropical twist, serve a zesty mango salsa on the side to add a refreshing and fruity element to each bite of the French toast casserole.

Delicious Alternatives to Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: These savory stuffed bell peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, then topped with melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This refreshing and tropical chia pudding is made with creamy coconut milk, sweet mango chunks, and a hint of honey for a healthy and delicious dessert or snack.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy and comforting chicken and mushroom risotto, made with arborio rice, flavorful chicken broth, tender chicken pieces, and earthy mushrooms for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Appetizers and Main Courses That Go Well with Peach Melba French Toast Casserole

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a simple yet sophisticated appetizer option.

Main Courses:

Beef Wellington: Impress your guests with a classic dish like Beef Wellington. The tender beef, savory mushroom duxelles, and flaky puff pastry will surely leave a lasting impression.

Chicken Parmesan: For a comforting and satisfying meal, try making Chicken Parmesan. The crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese make for a delicious and hearty dinner option.

Why trust this Peach Melba French Toast Casserole Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic breakfast dish, incorporating fresh peaches and raspberries for a burst of seasonal flavor. The use of rich brioche loaf and a luscious custard made with heavy whipping cream promises a decadent texture. The addition of a homemade raspberry sauce adds a touch of elegance and complements the dish perfectly. With its detailed instructions and carefully selected ingredients, this peach melba French toast casserole is a surefire way to elevate your breakfast or brunch experience.

Want to share your experience making this Peach Melba French Toast Casserole or discuss variations on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum and let's talk about this delightful breakfast treat!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of bread such as challah, French bread, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale so it can absorb the custard mixture well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can I use frozen peaches and raspberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches and raspberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream with a lighter alternative?

While heavy whipping cream provides a rich and creamy texture, you can use whole milk or a combination of milk and half-and-half for a lighter version. However, the texture and richness of the casserole may vary.

Can I omit the almonds from the topping?

Of course! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use almonds, you can omit them from the topping without significantly altering the overall flavor of the dish.