French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Toast Casserole has all the comfort of classic French toast without the need to stand at the stove flipping slices. It’s easy to prep ahead, feeds a crowd, and delivers warm, cinnamon-spiced flavor in every bite. Whether you like it crisp on top or soft and custardy throughout, this recipe is versatile and always a hit.

Ingredients

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

day-old bread (French bread, brioche, challah, or white bread)
eggs
milk (or half-and-half)
heavy cream (optional for richness)
granulated sugar
brown sugar
vanilla extract
ground cinnamon
salt
butter (for greasing the pan and optional topping)
optional topping: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or a streusel crumble

Directions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and place evenly in the prepared dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. If using a topping or streusel, sprinkle it over the casserole before baking.
8. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
9. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with powdered sugar or syrup as desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 to 10 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time (optional): 30 minutes to overnight
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes (or longer if chilled overnight)

Variations

• Berry French Toast Casserole: Add blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries between bread layers.
• Cream Cheese Version: Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese for extra richness.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the custard for a fall flavor.
• Savory Option: Omit sugar and cinnamon, and add cooked bacon, sausage, and cheese for a savory breakfast bake.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
To freeze, wrap the fully baked and cooled casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes, it’s perfect for overnight prep. Simply assemble, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake in the morning.

What type of bread works best?

Day-old or slightly dry bread like brioche, challah, or French bread works best to absorb the custard without getting soggy.

Can I make it without refrigerating overnight?

Yes, but give it at least 30 minutes to soak so the bread absorbs the custard.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk can be used as dairy-free alternatives.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with no wet custard.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch dish for fewer servings.

What toppings go well with French Toast Casserole?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of cinnamon are all great choices.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, assemble and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Is it supposed to be soft in the middle?

Yes, the center should be tender and custardy, but not overly wet or undercooked.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely. Just ensure it’s a sturdy loaf that can hold up to the custard mixture.

Conclusion

French Toast Casserole is an irresistible breakfast favorite that’s as easy as it is delicious. With its soft, custardy center and golden, spiced top, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for holidays, brunches, or lazy weekends. Whether you keep it classic or try fun variations, this crowd-pleasing recipe is sure to become a staple at your breakfast table.

French Toast Casserole

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French Toast Casserole is a comforting breakfast bake made with cubed bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked until golden and served warm. It’s ideal for brunches, holidays, and make-ahead breakfasts.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 10 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 loaf day-old bread (French, brioche, or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing pan)
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, streusel topping

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Place cubed bread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to soak all the bread.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. If using a topping or streusel, sprinkle it evenly over the casserole.
8. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and the center is set.
9. Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with desired toppings.

Notes

• Day-old bread works best to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
• Overnight chilling enhances flavor and texture.
• For a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
• Use a knife or toothpick to check for doneness—the center should be set, not wet.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 190mg