Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole offers all the flavor of classic French toast without the hassle of standing over a stove. It’s easy to prep in advance, serves a crowd, and is endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting brunch, this dish is a no-fuss, guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Brioche, challah, or French bread, 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)
- Salt
- Butter (for greasing the dish and optional topping)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Add the cubed bread in an even layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Let sit for 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 to 10 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, with a total bake time of 45–50 minutes. If prepping ahead, allow time for overnight soaking.
Variations
- Fruit Mix-In: Add sliced bananas, blueberries, or diced apples before baking.
- Crunchy Topping: Top with a cinnamon streusel made from butter, flour, sugar, and oats.
- Stuffed Version: Layer with sweetened cream cheese or nutella for extra decadence.
- Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the bread before baking.
- Pumpkin Spice: Add canned pumpkin and pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What type of bread is best?
Brioche, challah, or day-old French bread are ideal because they’re sturdy and soak up custard well without getting mushy.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for overnight prep. Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk can be used in place of dairy milk.
How do I keep it from being soggy?
Use day-old bread and let it soak overnight. Bake uncovered so the top crisps up nicely.
Can I make this without cream?
Yes, just use more milk instead of cream. The casserole will be slightly lighter.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
It’s best to freeze it after baking. Let cool, slice into portions, and freeze individually.
How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden and the center should be set and not jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a cinnamon streusel topping are all great options.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch and go well with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Is it sweet enough on its own?
It has a subtle sweetness, but it pairs perfectly with maple syrup or a sweet topping.
Conclusion
French toast casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish—easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. With its soft, custardy interior and lightly crisped top, it’s a family favorite that brings warmth and comfort to the table every time. Whether for a special occasion or a simple Sunday morning, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.
PrintFrench Toast Casserole
French toast casserole is a cozy, make-ahead breakfast bake made with bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, then baked until golden. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or weekend mornings, it’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread (about 10 cups), cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the dish)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Add the cubed bread in an even layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, gently pressing the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Let sit for 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture.
- Customize with fruit, chocolate chips, or a crunchy streusel topping.
- Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the center is fully set before removing from the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of casserole
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
