This unique overnight banana French toast casserole combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the savory flavor of tomatoes, creating a delightful breakfast dish. Perfect for serving a crowd, it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for brunch gatherings or special occasions.
Overview of the Dish
This banana French toast casserole is a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare.
It combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the savory touch of cherry tomatoes, resulting in a dish that is both unique and satisfying.
Perfect for brunch gatherings or special occasions, it can be prepared the night before, allowing for a stress-free morning.
Ingredients and Preparation
The casserole features layers of cubed bread, sliced bananas, and halved cherry tomatoes, all soaked in a rich custard mixture.
The combination of eggs, milk, cream, and maple syrup creates a luscious base that binds the ingredients together.
With just a few simple steps, this dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for those busy mornings.
Baking Process
To start, a baking dish is greased to prevent sticking.
The layering process involves placing half of the bread cubes, followed by bananas and tomatoes, and then repeating these layers.
Once assembled, the custard mixture is poured over the top, ensuring that every piece of bread is soaked for maximum flavor.
Chilling and Baking
After assembling, the casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight.
This step allows the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
In the morning, the oven is preheated, and the casserole is baked until golden brown, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, the casserole is allowed to cool slightly before slicing.
It can be served warm, drizzled with additional maple syrup for those who enjoy a sweeter touch.
The vibrant colors of the tomatoes and bananas make for an appealing presentation, perfect for impressing guests.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
This dish serves eight, making it a great option for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
Each serving is packed with flavor and provides a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, ensuring a satisfying start to the day.
Enjoy this unique breakfast casserole that beautifully marries sweet and savory elements, making it a memorable meal for any occasion.
Savory and Sweet Overnight Banana French Toast Casserole
This casserole features layers of bread, sliced bananas, and diced tomatoes soaked in a rich custard mixture. It is baked until golden and served warm, offering a delicious balance of flavors. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed (about 10-12 cups)
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the prepared dish, layer half of the cubed bread, followed by half of the sliced bananas and half of the halved tomatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour Custard Over Layers: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, bananas, and tomatoes. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
- Preheat Oven: In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm. Optionally, drizzle with additional maple syrup.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g