For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, the idea of indulging in classic breakfast treats like French toast might seem like a distant memory. However, with a few clever ingredient swaps, it's entirely possible to enjoy a delicious and satisfying keto-friendly French toast bake. This article will guide you through creating the ultimate low-carb breakfast casserole, perfect for weekend brunches, meal prepping, or even a special holiday breakfast.
What Makes French Toast Traditionally Non-Keto?
Traditional French toast relies heavily on ingredients that are high in carbohydrates, such as white bread or brioche, both of which are loaded with gluten. This recipe for keto french toast casserole combines egg, cream cheese and coconut flour to create a bread based casserole that is similar to french toast. The good news is that by using low-carb bread alternatives and sugar substitutes, we can recreate the flavors and textures of French toast while keeping the carb count minimal.
Core Components of Keto French Toast Casserole
There are key components to this keto french toast recipe. First, is the low carb bread, then a sweet cream cheese filling. Despite this having 4 parts it only has 12 ingredients and they are all common ingredients you probably have already if you’ve done any low carb baking in the past.
Ingredients
- Low-Carb Bread: The foundation of any French toast is the bread. Opt for a keto-friendly bread, either homemade or store-bought.
- Eggs: Eggs are a must in this. They form the base of the custard and provide structure to the casserole.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds richness and a subtle tang to the filling.
- Coconut Flour: Coconut flour works well in combination with almond but can be hard to use on its own.
- Coconut Milk: From the carton. Coconut milk adds moisture and flavor to the custard, keeping the casserole tender.
- Sweetener: Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, stevia, or a brown sugar substitute to achieve the desired sweetness without the carbs.
- Vanilla Extract: Standard in baking and enhances the flavor of everything. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the casserole, creating that classic French toast flavor.
- Butter: For greasing the baking dish and adding richness to the topping.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient ensures the bread has a light and airy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
Optional additions
- Berries: Add a fruity twist to your keto breakfast casserole. You can add anything from raspberries and strawberries to blackberries and blueberries.
- Nuts: Adding nuts to the recipe. It will add a delectable crunch to the keto french toast bake. The best thing about this recipe is that it works well with any kind of nuts from almonds and peanuts to walnuts and pecans.
- Sugar-Free Syrup: There are many brands making sugar-free syrups. You can pour these syrups over anything you like, from your keto French toast and keto pancakes to your grain free granola and even your tea or coffee!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the keto bread into 1-inch cubes.
- To dry out the bread, spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit out overnight. Alternatively, bake them in a 200°F oven for 1-2 hours until dry to the touch.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Blend the Custard:
- In a blender, combine the eggs, coconut milk, sweetener, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Blend until smooth. You can also use an electric mixer, but it will take longer to combine.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
- Place the bread cubes in the prepared dish.
- Drop dollops of the cream cheese filling over the bread cubes.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all cubes are moistened.
- Add Toppings (Optional):
- For a crumb topping, cut cold butter into almond flour, sweetener, and cinnamon until it forms a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- If adding nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with sugar-free syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Detailed steps
- Dry out the bread: Slice and cube the bread into 3/4 inch pieces, then spread out on a baking sheet.
- Arrange in the pan: Grease an 8×8 glass or ceramic baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- Prepare the custard: In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, cream, sweetener, and water. Add the collagen protein powder and whisk quickly and vigorously until no clumps remain (you can also use an immersion blender to smooth it out).
- Pour over the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, making sure to get some on each cube to wet it.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate 1 hour or up to overnight to allow the egg mixture to soak into the bread. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325ºF.6: Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole with foil and bake 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes, until the center is just barely set. You want the bread cubes to be quite dry, so they absorb the egg mixture properly.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Keto French Toast Bake
- Use Dry Bread: Make sure that the cubes are dry to the touch before assembling. This is similar to how I make Keto Stuffing, and it works like a charm.
- Soaking Time: Allow the bread cubes to soak in the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure they absorb the flavors and become soft. For the best results, allow the casserole to soak overnight in the refrigerator.
- Even Custard Distribution: As you pour the custard mixture over the bread, try to get a little on each cube. This will help keep the casserole moist and allow the cubes to stick together better. Weighing down the casserole as it sits also helps the top layers absorb more of the custard.
- Preventing Dryness: To prevent the casserole from becoming dry, make sure not to overbake it. Covering the casserole with foil during the baking process can also help retain moisture.
- Broiling for Extra Color: If you want to brown up the top a bit, you can place the casserole under the broiler after baking. Don’t do it for long, though! Depending on the heat of your broiler, it can take less than a minute.
- Collagen Protein: You don’t absolutely need the collagen but it does add flavor, a touch of sweetness, and some beneficial nutrition. It also helps thicken the custard so it sets nicely. It will set without it as well.
- Bread Choice Matters: As I mentioned above, you could use almost any decent keto bread for this recipe. You will probably only need about two thirds or three quarters of the loaf to match my homemade bread. Keep in mind that the bread you choose will determine much of the carb count and other macros.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Make Ahead: The great thing about this dish is that it can be prepared the night before. Construct the casserole, then leave it in the fridge overnight. Simply blend the ingredients, pour into the baking dish, and wrap in plastic wrap to store in the fridge until the next morning.
- Refrigerating: For best results, let the low carb keto french toast cool down, then put inside of a food container that’s sealed well. Place in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze leftover French toast casserole. Freezing is a great way to preserve the casserole for future enjoyment. To Freeze: cover the casserole with plastic wrap after it has cooled. Then put it in the fridge for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To Reheat: place the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat up for 30 seconds - 1 minute or until hot. It heats quickly, and you don’t want to warm it too long, or it will dry out. When you're ready to cook, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it directly from frozen. To reheat, you can use an oven or toaster oven to warm it at a low temperature until it's heated through.
Variations and Customizations
- Fruity French Toast: Ready to add a fruity twist to your keto breakfast casserole?
- Nutty Crunch: Sure! If you add some nuts, it will have a yummy crunch to it. I recommend pecans or walnuts to the bread layer because they are so tasty with french toast.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder into the custard for a chocolatey flavor.
Addressing Common Questions
- Can I substitute coconut flour? If you don't like the taste of coconut flour, and want to substitute with almond flour, you can. You will need to add more almond flour, so try 1/2 to 3/4 cup almond flour.
- Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, you can use other keto-friendly sweeteners like stevia or a blend of erythritol depending on your taste preference.
- How many carbs are in keto French toast? The bread you use in this recipe will change the carb count somewhat, so choose wisely. If you make this Keto French Toast Casserole with the bread recipe I use, it will have 5.2g total carbs and 2.1g of fiber, so it has only 3.1g net carbs per serving.
- Is there a bread that is keto friendly? Just because a bread says keto on the label does not really mean it’s keto friendly. Many store-bought breads add soluble fibers to artificially lower the net carb count. Some of these fibers may spike your blood sugar, rendering the bread inappropriate. However, the bread in this French toast casserole truly is keto-friendly, with less than less than 3.4g of carbs per slice.
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