Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Casserole Recipe

Name: Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 555 min
Yield: 7
Ingredients: 14 slices Brioche bread; 7 tablespoons peanut butter; 7 tablespoons grape jelly or jam; 1 cup 2% milk; 3 large eggs; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar, or as needed; 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or as needed

Cook Time: 55 minutes

This delightful casserole takes the beloved flavors of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and transforms them into a comforting, baked dish with a creamy custard base. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat!

Ingredients

14 slices brioche bread
7 tablespoons peanut butter
7 tablespoons jam
1 cup 2% milk
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon confectioners sugar, or as needed (optional)
1 tablespoon maple syrup, or as needed (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Spray an 8x12-inch to 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Spread half of the bread slices with peanut butter and the other half with jam, using 1 tablespoon per slice. Make 7 sandwiches by pairing one peanut butter slice with one jam slice.

Step 3: Cut each sandwich into quarters to make a total of 28 mini sandwiches. Arrange these mini sandwiches in rows, cut sides up, in the prepared baking dish. Place the rows close together.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, honey, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the mini sandwiches, ensuring each sandwich is well-coated. Dont worry if the custard pools at the bottom; the bread will soak it up.

Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing the bread to absorb the custard mixture.

Step 7: When ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge and uncover the foil. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 8: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the sandwiches are golden brown and crisp on top.

Step 9: Once baked, sprinkle with confectioners sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cook's Note

For an extra layer of flavor, try using chocolate chip brioche bread. If chocolate chips arent your thing, you can substitute any hearty, thick-cut bread like sourdough. You can also experiment with different flavors of jam, though classic grape is always a favorite!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 415
Total Fat: 20g (26% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 8g (40% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 155mg (52% Daily Value)
Sodium: 418mg (18% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 47g (17% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 22g
Protein: 12g (24% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
Calcium: 86mg (7% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium: 252mg (5% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins

The Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Casserole is a modern twist on two classic American favorites: the peanut butter and jelly sandwich and French toast. The traditional PB&J sandwich dates back to the early 20th century, gaining popularity in American households during the 1920s and 1930s as an easy and affordable lunch option. French toast, with origins tracing back to medieval Europe, was originally a method to use stale bread, soaked in milk and eggs before frying. Combining these two creates a nostalgic yet indulgent dish, blending childhood flavors with a breakfast classic.

Regional Characteristics

This casserole has become especially popular in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Southern regions where breakfast casseroles are a staple for family gatherings and weekend brunches. In these areas, it is common to incorporate local ingredients like honey, locally made jams, or specialty breads such as brioche or challah. Some regions also prefer to add a sprinkling of cinnamon or nutmeg, enhancing the warm and comforting flavor profile that American brunch culture favors.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While traditional French toast casseroles typically involve plain bread baked in a custard mixture, this variation stands out by layering peanut butter and jelly between slices, creating a sandwich-style structure. Unlike a bread pudding, which often includes dried fruits and spices, the PB&J casserole focuses on the sweet and savory balance of nut butter and fruit preserves. It is also distinct from standard French toast as it is baked in a dish rather than cooked on a skillet, producing a uniform, custardy texture that is soft yet slightly crisp on top.

Typical Serving Occasions

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Casserole is commonly served during breakfast and brunch, particularly for family gatherings, holidays, or special weekend meals. It is often accompanied by maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit. Cafs and brunch spots may offer this dish as a signature sweet option, highlighting its playful combination of flavors that appeal to both children and adults. It is also a favorite for school or church potlucks, given its ease of preparation and ability to feed multiple servings.

Interesting Facts

One intriguing fact about this casserole is its versatility: while grape jelly is traditional, any jam or preserve, from strawberry to apricot, can be used. Brioche is preferred for its rich, buttery texture, but other thick-cut breads like sourdough or challah also work well. Another fun aspect is the dishs overnight preparation, allowing the custard to soak fully into the bread, enhancing the flavor and creating a dessert-like quality. Despite being a modern invention, this casserole combines two iconic foods, reflecting the creativity of American comfort cuisine and its love for nostalgic flavors reinvented in new forms.

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FAQ about Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can substitute brioche with other types of bread. A thick-cut, hearty bread like sourdough or challah works well. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 2-3 days. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore some crispiness.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. After assembling the sandwiches and pouring the custard over them, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight. Bake the next day as instructed.

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as instructed.

Yes, you can use different flavors of jam or jelly. While grape is the classic choice, strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot jelly would work well in this recipe.

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with other spreads like almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version of this casserole.

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, jam, or confectioners' sugar to taste. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of honey or skip the maple syrup on top.

You can replace honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the flavor of the casserole.

To make the casserole vegan, replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg substitute and use a non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk. You can also choose a plant-based butter substitute for greasing the pan.

While this casserole is best served warm, you can serve it cold if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture might be softer when cold.