Next, pour the mixture into your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. I find that using a spatula helps to evenly distribute all those yummy ingredients. Cover the dish with foil and let it rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period allows the bread to soak up all that delicious egg mixture, making every bite decadent and fluffy. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and pop the casserole into your preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown. As it bakes, the smell fills my kitchen, and I can hardly wait to dig in!
When it’s done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This extra time allows the casserole to firm up a bit, making it easier to serve. I love cutting mine into squares and serving it warm, possibly with a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick! This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, and trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve made this casserole several times, and through my trials, I’ve learned a few things! First, be sure to use day-old bread. Fresh bread tends to get mushy, while day-old adds that perfect texture. I’ve experimented with various types of bread, too—everything from sourdough to rye—so feel free to get creative!
Secondly, don’t skip on seasoning your egg mixture. The beauty of this casserole lies in its flavor, and a little extra salt and pepper goes a long way. I usually add a pinch more than the recipe calls for, and my family loves the extra zing!
Lastly, if you’re preparing this ahead of time, consider covering the assembled casserole with foil and placing it in the fridge overnight. This allows the bread to really soak up the egg mixture and intensifies the flavors even more when baked.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made early on was not allowing the casserole to sit before baking. It’s crucial to let the mixture rest so the bread absorbs the eggs. The first time I skipped this step, I ended up with a soupy casserole that just didn’t hold together. Such a bummer! (See the next page below to continue…)