Based on the image and description of the sourdough French toast casserole, here's a list of ingredients you'd likely find in this dish:

Expected Ingredients:

1. Sourdough bread

   • Likely day-old or slightly stale for better absorption

2. Eggs

   • The base of the custard mixture

3. Milk and/or cream

   • To create a rich custard

4. Sugar

   • For sweetness in the custard and possibly for caramelization on top

5. Vanilla extract

   • A common flavoring in French toast

6. Cinnamon

   • A classic spice for French toast, visible in the golden-brown coloring

7. Salt

   • A small amount to enhance flavors

8. Butter

   • For greasing the baking dish and possibly melted into the custard

9. Powdered sugar

   • For the glaze drizzled on top

10. Milk or cream

    • To mix with powdered sugar for the glaze

Optional additions that might be included:

• Nutmeg - Often paired with cinnamon in French toast recipes
• Maple syrup - Could be incorporated into the custard or used in the glaze
• Heavy cream - For an extra rich custard
• Brown sugar - For a deeper caramel flavor
• Orange or lemon zest - To add a citrusy note to the custard

These ingredients would come together to create the moist, flavorful, and indulgent sourdough French toast casserole seen in the image.

To create this sourdough French toast casserole, there are several key steps and methodologies that would likely be employed:

Key Steps in Preparation:

1. Bread Preparation

   • Cut sourdough bread into cubes, about 1-inch in size
   • Allow bread to dry out slightly (if fresh) for better absorption

2. Custard Creation

   • Whisk together eggs, milk/cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt
   • Ensure mixture is well combined for even flavor distribution

3. Soaking Process

   • Toss bread cubes in the custard mixture
   • Allow to soak for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration

4. Baking Dish Preparation

   • Grease a large baking dish (likely 9x13 inch) with butter

5. Assembly

   • Transfer soaked bread cubes to the prepared baking dish
   • Pour any remaining custard over the top

6. Baking

   • Bake in a preheated oven, likely around 350°F (175°C)
   • Bake until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the center is set (about 45-60 minutes)

7. Glaze Preparation

   • Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or cream to create a drizzling consistency

8. Finishing

   • Once the casserole is baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top in a decorative pattern

Special Techniques:

1. Overnight Soaking

   • For deeper flavor and better texture, the assembled casserole might be refrigerated overnight before baking

2. Texture Variation

   • Some recipes might call for a mix of soaked pieces on the bottom and drier pieces on top for textural contrast

3. Even Baking

   • Rotating the baking dish halfway through cooking for even browning

4. Custard-to-Bread Ratio

   • Ensuring the right balance so the casserole is moist but not soggy

5. Resting Period

   • Allowing the baked casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to set fully

These methodologies would contribute to creating the appetizing sourdough French toast casserole seen in the image, with its golden-brown top, moist interior, and tempting glaze drizzle.