Cardamom French Toast Casserole

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

45-50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cardamom, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture and stir to coat. Let stand for 5 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and drizzle with the melted butter.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 240mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Warm and comforting
• Rich and flavorful
• Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
• Can be made ahead of time and reheated

User Comments:

• "This casserole is a hit with my family! The cardamom gives it a unique and delicious flavor." - Sarah
• "I loved the crispy top and the soft, custardy interior." - John
• "Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch. I added some fresh berries on top for an extra touch of sweetness." - Mary

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use stale French bread for best results. Fresh bread may become soggy.
• If you don't have ground cardamom, you can use 6-8 whole cardamom pods, crushed.
• Cover the casserole with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly.