Dollywood’s Cinnamon Bread French Toast Casserole: A Sweet Southern Treat
Dollywood, the famed theme park co-owned by Dolly Parton, is known for its thrilling rides, captivating shows, and, perhaps most notably, its delicious food. Among the park’s culinary treasures, the cinnamon bread reigns supreme. Its warm, gooey, cinnamon-infused goodness has captivated visitors for years. Now, imagine taking that iconic cinnamon bread and transforming it into a decadent French toast casserole. That’s precisely what we’re doing today! This recipe attempts to capture the essence of Dollywood’s flavors in a dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Get ready to experience a taste of the Smoky Mountains in your own kitchen.
This French toast casserole recipe celebrates Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread, turning it into a sweet and satisfying breakfast or brunch that is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is always a crowd-pleaser. The warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup blend together to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This version aims to replicate that signature cinnamon-y goodness in an easy-to-make casserole.
## The Magic of Dollywood Cinnamon Bread
Before diving into the casserole recipe, let’s talk about what makes Dollywood’s cinnamon bread so special. It’s not just bread; it’s an experience. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. The bread itself is soft and slightly sweet, and the copious amounts of cinnamon sugar glaze create a delightful sticky, gooey mess that is utterly irresistible.
While this recipe is inspired by that famous bread, it doesn’t require you to have the exact same cinnamon bread on hand. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade cinnamon bread. Just make sure it’s a good quality bread that will hold its shape well in the casserole.
## Dollywood Inspired Cinnamon Bread French Toast Casserole Recipe
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for novice cooks. It requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared the night before, making it perfect for busy mornings.
**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 45-55 minutes
### Ingredients:
* 1 loaf (approximately 1 pound) cinnamon bread, cut into 1-inch cubes. (If your loaf is larger, you might not use the entire thing. You want enough to fill the pan)
* 8 large eggs
* 2 cups milk (whole milk is recommended for a richer flavor, but you can use 2% or skim)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
* Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
* Optional for serving: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries.
### Equipment:
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Small bowl (for topping)
* Measuring cups and spoons
### Instructions:
**Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Bread**
Cut the cinnamon bread into 1-inch cubes. It’s okay if some pieces are slightly larger or smaller. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
**Step 2: Make the Custard**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is dissolved.
**Step 3: Soak the Bread**
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed cinnamon bread in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are all soaked in the custard. You want the bread to absorb as much of the liquid as possible.
**Step 4: Prepare the Crumble Topping**
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Mix with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If desired, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra flavor and texture.
**Step 5: Add the Topping**
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the soaked bread in the baking dish. Distribute it as evenly as possible for maximum flavor in every bite.
**Step 6: Chill (Optional but Recommended)**
For best results, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer, more flavorful casserole. If you don’t have time to chill it, you can bake it immediately, but the texture will be slightly different.
**Step 7: Bake the Casserole**
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator (if chilled) and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
**Step 8: Cool and Serve**
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further and prevents it from being too runny. Cut into squares and serve warm.
**Step 9: Garnish and Serve**
Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
## Tips and Variations:
* **Bread Choice:** While cinnamon bread is the star of the show, you can experiment with other types of bread, such as brioche, challah, or even croissants. Just be sure to choose a bread that will hold its shape well when soaked in the custard.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the custard for a warmer, more complex flavor.
* **Fruit Additions:** Incorporate fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, into the casserole for a fruity twist. You can add them to the bread before pouring over the custard or sprinkle them on top before baking.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Fold in some chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) into the bread cubes before adding the custard for a decadent treat.
* **Caramel Drizzle:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked casserole for an extra touch of sweetness and richness.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cinnamon bread and gluten-free flour in the topping to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Use a dairy-free butter alternative in the topping.
* **Overnight soaking is KEY:** This recipe benefits greatly from soaking the bread overnight. It allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a much more flavorful and moist casserole. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry casserole. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven when the custard is set and the topping is golden brown.
* **Adjust the sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of sugar in the custard and topping.
* **Use stale bread:** Slightly stale cinnamon bread works best in this recipe, as it will absorb the custard better.
* **Prevent sticking:** Grease your baking dish very well before adding the bread cubes to prevent the casserole from sticking.
* **Serving a crowd?:** This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.
## Serving Suggestions:
This Dollywood-inspired Cinnamon Bread French Toast Casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with complementary flavors. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Maple Syrup:** A classic pairing! Drizzle warm maple syrup over the casserole for extra sweetness.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
* **Fresh Berries:** The tartness of fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, balances the sweetness of the casserole.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy, decadent touch.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** For a truly indulgent treat, serve the casserole with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** If you’re serving this for brunch, pair it with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a balanced meal.
* **Coffee or Tea:** A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect accompaniment to this sweet and comforting casserole.
## Storage Instructions:
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover Cinnamon Bread French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Bringing Dollywood Home
This Cinnamon Bread French Toast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring the magic of Dollywood into your home. Whether you’ve visited the park countless times or dream of going someday, this dish allows you to experience a taste of the Smoky Mountains from the comfort of your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a sweet and memorable breakfast or brunch that everyone will love. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll feel a little bit closer to the wonder and delight that is Dollywood.
Enjoy your Dollywood-inspired Cinnamon Bread French Toast Casserole! We hope this recipe brings a little bit of Smoky Mountain sunshine to your table.
**Variations for Dietary Restrictions:**
* **Gluten-Free:** To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cinnamon bread and substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
* **Dairy-Free:** For a dairy-free version, replace the milk and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter substitute in the crumble topping. Make sure your cinnamon bread is also dairy-free.
* **Vegan:** To make this recipe vegan, you’ll need to replace the eggs as well as the dairy. You can use a commercial egg replacer or a mixture of flaxseed meal and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Also ensure your cinnamon bread is vegan-friendly.
**Troubleshooting Tips:**
* **Casserole is too dry:** If the casserole is too dry, it’s likely overbaked. Reduce the baking time slightly in future attempts. You can also try adding a bit more milk or cream to the custard.
* **Casserole is too soggy:** If the casserole is too soggy, the bread may not have been stale enough or the custard-to-bread ratio was too high. Use slightly stale bread and reduce the amount of liquid in the custard next time.
* **Topping is burning:** If the topping is browning too quickly, tent the casserole with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
* **Cinnamon bread is sinking:** Gently press the bread cubes into the custard to ensure they are fully submerged. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):**
* **Can I use a different type of bread?** Yes, you can use other types of bread, such as brioche, challah, or croissants. Just make sure it’s a bread that will hold its shape well when soaked in the custard.
* **Can I make this ahead of time?** Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer, more flavorful casserole.
* **How do I store leftovers?** Store leftover Cinnamon Bread French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Can I freeze this?** While not ideal, you can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Can I add nuts to the topping?** Yes, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra flavor and texture.
* **Can I make this in a slow cooker?** While it’s possible, baking in the oven is recommended for the best results. The slow cooker can make the casserole too soggy.
* **What is the best way to reheat this casserole?** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
We hope you enjoy this delightful recipe and it brings the warmth and joy of Dollywood to your home!