As featured on Recipe Club's Sunday Brunch episode
Coco Bread French Toast Casserole
Malique Smith
Serves: 6–8
Malique originally chose to try out a recipe from The Kitchn for “French Toast Casserole,” but then decided to shake things up a bit. Listen to the Recipe Club podcast to hear more about his process. In the meantime, enjoy this recipe incorporating coco bread, which you’ll have to make or buy from an excellent establishment like Bridgetown Roti in Los Angeles.
6–8 slices of coco bread, cubed or torn into bite-size pieces
6 large eggs
2 C whole milk (or half-and-half for richer custard)
½ C granulated sugar
¼ C brown sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
2 Tbsp melted butter
Optional mix-ins: raisins, shredded coconut, chopped pineapple, or pecans
1. Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add cubed coco bread evenly across the dish.
If the bread is fresh and still soft, let it air-dry for 10–15 minutes or lightly toast it in the oven. This will help the bread absorb the liquid custard mixture more easily.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
3. Pour the liquid custard mixture over the bread. Press gently to make sure each piece soaks up some of the liquid. If you're adding any of the optional mix-ins, sprinkle them in now.
4. Chill*: For best results, let the dish sit for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight (covered). This helps the bread soak up the custard fully.
*Letting the dish chill will help the bread absorb the custard, but a longer refrigeration, such as overnight, may make the bread too soggy for your taste if you like this dish firmer as opposed to softer.
5. When ready to bake, set your oven to 350°F (175°C.)
6. Bake the dish, uncovered, for 40–45 minutes or until puffed and golden, and the center is set. If it browns too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
7. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Delicious with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or warm spiced rum sauce.