French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Toast Casserole takes the stress out of breakfast prep. Instead of flipping slices one by one, you assemble everything the night before and simply bake it in the morning. It’s rich, buttery, and infused with cinnamon and vanilla, creating that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you serve it with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit, it’s always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• French bread or brioche, cut into cubes
• Eggs
• Milk or half-and-half
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Butter, melted
• Maple syrup (for serving)
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh berries, or chopped nuts

Directions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly so every piece absorbs the custard.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
6. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Uncover the casserole and drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 8 to 10 people. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, chilling requires 4 hours (or overnight), and baking takes 45 minutes. The total time is approximately 5 hours including chilling, or 1 hour if baked right away.

Variations

• Apple Cinnamon: Add thinly sliced apples between the bread layers and sprinkle with extra cinnamon.
• Blueberry Delight: Mix in fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Pecan Praline: Top with chopped pecans and a brown sugar glaze before baking.
• Chocolate Lover’s: Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate before serving.
• Savory Version: Omit sugar and cinnamon, and use cheese, ham, and herbs for a brunch-style casserole.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover French Toast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for about 1 minute until hot. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for the best flavor and texture.

2. What kind of bread is best for this casserole?

Thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread works best because it holds up to the custard.

3. Can I bake it right away without refrigerating?

You can, but chilling allows the bread to soak up the custard better, creating a richer texture.

4. How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Use slightly stale bread and avoid adding too much liquid; this keeps the texture light and fluffy.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute non-dairy milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

6. Can I freeze French Toast Casserole?

Yes, freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.

7. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover with foil and warm gently in the oven or microwave with a damp paper towel.

8. Can I add fruit to the casserole?

Absolutely! Berries, apples, or bananas make delicious additions.

9. What toppings go well with French Toast Casserole?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit all complement it beautifully.

10. Is it okay to use regular sandwich bread?

You can, but the texture will be softer and less rich than with brioche or French bread.

Conclusion

French Toast Casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing breakfast that delivers all the flavors of traditional French toast with minimal effort. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy weekends, this dish can be made ahead, customized with your favorite flavors, and served with endless topping options. Warm, comforting, and effortlessly elegant — it’s a breakfast everyone will love.

French Toast Casserole

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A warm, comforting French Toast Casserole with a golden, crispy top and soft, custardy center. Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, holidays, or weekend brunches, it combines classic French toast flavors in an easy, crowd-pleasing bake.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: 8–10 servings
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into cubes (about 10 cups)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh berries, or chopped nuts

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Arrange the cubed bread evenly in the prepared dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly to ensure all cubes absorb the liquid.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Uncover and drizzle melted butter evenly over the top.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Cool slightly before serving with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.

Notes

• Use slightly stale bread to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Chilling overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
• For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and vegan butter.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1 minute.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (1/10 of recipe)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 210mg