French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole offers all the flavor of traditional French toast without the hassle of standing over a skillet. It’s easy to prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning, making it ideal for holidays and busy mornings. The top turns beautifully golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and custardy. You can top it with fruit, syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to suit your taste.

Ingredients

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

• Day-old French bread, challah, or brioche, cut into cubes
• Eggs
• Whole milk or half-and-half
• Heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg (optional)
• Butter (for greasing the dish and optional topping)
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream

Directions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Place cubed bread evenly in the dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, and spices until well combined.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, gently pressing the bread down to soak it all in.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Optional: Top with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a sweet, crunchy topping.
8. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
9. Let cool slightly before serving. Top with powdered sugar, syrup, or fruit, if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 8–10 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours or overnight
Bake time: 45–50 minutes
Total time: About 3 hours (with chilling)

Variations

• Berry French Toast Casserole: Add blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries before baking.
• Apple Cinnamon: Layer in sliced apples and sprinkle extra cinnamon for a cozy fall version.
• Pecan Praline: Top with chopped pecans and a brown sugar-butter mixture before baking.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the custard mixture.
• Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the bread layers for a sweet surprise.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
• Freeze tightly wrapped casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
• Best served warm, but still delicious at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make this the night before?

Yes! That’s the beauty of it. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight for an easy morning bake.

What’s the best bread to use?

Day-old French bread, brioche, or challah are all great choices. They hold up well and absorb the custard beautifully.

Can I skip the overnight soak?

You can, but it’s best to let it soak at least 2 hours. Less time may result in uneven texture.

How do I know it’s done?

The center should be set and not overly jiggly. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Can I add nuts?

Yes! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a great crunch, especially when added as a topping.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk can be used. Just note the flavor and richness may vary.

How do I keep the top from burning?

If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes. You can freeze the fully baked casserole or the unbaked, assembled dish. Wrap tightly before freezing.

Can I make it in a smaller dish?

Yes, just adjust the ingredients accordingly and check for doneness a bit earlier if using a smaller pan.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with bacon, sausage, fruit salad, yogurt, or coffee for a full brunch spread.

Conclusion

French Toast Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast that turns simple ingredients into something special. With a soft, custardy center and golden top, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for holidays, weekend brunches, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your guests. Easy, customizable, and always satisfying, this casserole is sure to become a breakfast favorite.

French Toast Casserole

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French Toast Casserole is a baked breakfast dish made with cubed bread soaked in a rich cinnamon-spiced custard, perfect for feeding a crowd on holidays or special mornings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours (with chilling)
• Yield: Serves 8–10
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 loaf day-old French bread, challah, or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• Butter, for greasing the baking dish and optional topping
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Place the cubed bread evenly into the dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream (if using), granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to help it soak in.
5. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Optional: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon, then drizzle over the top for a sweet topping.
8. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
9. Let cool slightly before serving. Top with powdered sugar, syrup, or fruit if desired.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for best texture—it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
• Letting the casserole soak overnight enhances flavor and ensures even custard absorption.
• Cover with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly during baking.
• Add-ins like berries, nuts, or chocolate chips can be mixed in for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of casserole)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 165mg