French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is incredibly simple to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just want an easy weekend breakfast, this dish delivers. You can make it the night before, bake it in the morning, and enjoy all the flavor of traditional French toast with none of the hassle.

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 richness)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt
• Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
• Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Place the bread cubes evenly into the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the mixture.
4. Let sit for 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If refrigerated, let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Let cool for 5–10 minutes 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. Add extra time if refrigerating overnight.

Variations

• Fruit Mix-Ins: Add blueberries, sliced bananas, or chopped apples before baking.
• Streusel Topping: Mix butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon to sprinkle on top before baking for extra crunch.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Add sweetened cream cheese between layers of bread for a cheesecake-style twist.
• Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the bread cubes for a dessert-like version.
• Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired casserole.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm the whole dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well—freeze portions or the entire baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What type of bread is best?

Brioche, challah, or day-old French bread works best. These absorb custard well without falling apart.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for overnight prep. Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk can be substituted for dairy milk.

Is this dish sweet on its own?

It has a gentle sweetness, but you can add more sugar or top with syrup for extra sweetness.

How do I keep it from being soggy?

Use day-old bread and make sure to bake until the center is fully set.

Can I freeze French toast casserole?

Yes, once baked and cooled, it can be frozen in portions or whole for up to 2 months.

Do I need to cover it while baking?

No, bake uncovered to get a golden, slightly crisp top.

Can I make a smaller version?

Yes, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch dish. Reduce baking time to 30–35 minutes.

What should I serve it with?

It pairs well with bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.

How do I know when it’s done?

The top should be golden and the custard set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

French toast casserole is a warm, simple, and crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With its fluffy interior, sweet cinnamon flavor, and golden top, it’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or make-ahead family mornings. This dish is a delicious way to start the day—and sure to become a favorite at your table.

French Toast Casserole

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French toast casserole is a warm, cinnamon-spiced breakfast bake made with cubes of bread soaked in a sweet custard and baked until golden. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for brunches, holidays, or cozy mornings.

• Author: Laura
• 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, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Butter (for greasing baking dish)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
• Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Place cubed bread evenly in the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream (if using), granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the mixture.
4. Let sit for 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If chilled overnight, let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

• Use day-old bread for best texture and custard absorption.
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for easy morning baking.
• Customize with fruit, streusel, or chocolate chips for added flavor.
• To make a smaller batch, halve ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish for 30–35 minutes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/10 of casserole
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 180mg