French Toast Casserole

This French Toast Casserole recipe was born out of a desire to make something cozy, easy, and crowd-pleasing for weekend brunch. I had a house full of guests one chilly Saturday morning and knew traditional French toast just wouldn’t cut it—too time-consuming, too many batches, too much cleanup. I needed a make-ahead breakfast that would impress without the stress.

That’s when this baked French Toast Casserole came to life. It’s warm, spiced just right, and soft in the middle with a golden, crispy topping that’s utterly addictive.

If you’ve ever craved French toast but didn’t want to stand by the stove flipping slice after slice, this casserole is your answer. Keep reading, because this dish might just become your new breakfast tradition.

Why I Love This Recipe

Let’s be honest—weekend breakfasts should feel like a reward, not a chore.

What makes this French Toast Casserole so lovable is its versatility and simplicity. It takes all the classic elements of French toast—bread soaked in custard, warm spices, a touch of sweetness—and transforms them into a dish you can prep the night before and bake in one go the next morning.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a big family, or just want something indulgent to enjoy with your coffee, this casserole fits the moment perfectly. It feeds a crowd, smells like a holiday morning, and tastes like comfort in every bite.

You can use whatever bread you have on hand—challah, brioche, French bread, or even leftover rolls. The egg custard is rich but balanced, and the streusel topping gives it that bakery-style finish.

It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy without being fussy. And everyone loves it.

Ingredients for French Toast Casserole

This isn’t your basic recipe—this is the kind that makes your kitchen smell like cinnamon, vanilla, and butter all in one.

Here’s what you need to make it:

Bread – A sturdy, slightly stale bread works best. Brioche or challah give it a rich flavor, while French bread holds up well without getting mushy. You’ll want about 1 lb (450g), cut into 1-inch cubes.

Eggs – These bind the whole dish and create that custardy texture. Use large eggs, about 6 total.

Milk + Cream – Whole milk and heavy cream work together to create a rich, tender texture. You can also use half-and-half.

Sugar – A mix of brown sugar and white sugar adds depth and just the right amount of sweetness.

Spices – Ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg add warmth and balance.

Vanilla Extract – A splash brings the custard to life.

Salt – Just a pinch to enhance the other flavors.

Butter – Melted into the streusel topping for that golden finish.

Topping (Streusel) – A quick blend of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter makes a delicious, crunchy topping.

Optional: Fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a swirl of cream cheese if you want to get creative.

How Much Time Will You Need?

The beauty of this casserole is how it respects your time while still delivering on flavor.

Prep time: 15 minutes (if your bread is already cubed)
Rest time: Ideally overnight in the fridge, but at least 4 hours
Bake time: 45–50 minutes
Cool and serve: 10–15 minutes to set

Total time (with overnight prep): Around 10–12 hours
Total time (same-day prep): 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Make This French Toast Casserole

Let’s break it down step-by-step so you know exactly what to do.

Step – 1: Prepare the Bread

Cube your bread into 1-inch pieces and set it aside. If the bread is fresh, you can dry it out in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes. This helps it soak up the custard without becoming soggy.

Step – 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 1 ½ cups of whole milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Make sure it’s smooth and well-mixed.

Step – 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the cubed bread in an even layer, then pour the custard mixture over the top. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to make sure each piece is soaked.

Step – 4: Chill

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This step is key—soaking lets the bread absorb all the flavor and gives you that creamy texture.

Step – 5: Make the Streusel Topping

In a bowl, mix ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed), and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until crumbly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step – 6: Bake

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until puffed and golden brown on top. The center should be set but still slightly soft.

Step – 7: Let It Cool

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. This gives it time to set and makes slicing easier.

Step – 8: Serve

Serve warm, with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries if you like.

Substitutions

One of the best things about French Toast Casserole is how flexible it is.

If you don’t have brioche or challah, use thick-cut white bread, sourdough, or even cinnamon-raisin bread for a fun twist.

Out of heavy cream? Swap in half-and-half or just use all whole milk.

Want it dairy-free? Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and a vegan butter substitute.

For a lower-sugar version, reduce the sugar in the custard or use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener.

You can even make it gluten-free with your favorite GF bread—just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold its shape.

Craving something extra? Add in swirls of cream cheese, a handful of blueberries, or chopped pecans for texture.

Best Side Dish of French Toast Casserole

This dish is rich and comforting on its own, but a few well-chosen sides can round out the meal beautifully.

• Fresh Fruit Salad – Bright, juicy fruits like berries, kiwi, or melon balance out the richness.
• Crispy Bacon or Breakfast Sausage – The salty crunch contrasts perfectly with the soft, sweet casserole.
• Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts – Adds a creamy, tangy counterpoint and keeps the meal filling.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A dish this cozy deserves a presentation that feels just as warm and inviting.

When it comes out of the oven golden and puffed, French Toast Casserole already looks stunning—but with just a few touches, you can take it from homestyle to brunch-worthy.

Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so it holds its shape when sliced. Cut it into clean squares with a sharp knife or serve it scooped out for a more rustic style.

For a beautiful finish, dust with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. Add a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few fresh berries on top of each serving for a pop of color.

If you’re serving guests, plate it with a few mint leaves or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for an effortless presentation.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Better

There’s always room to make a good dish great.

Here are the tried-and-true ways to take your French Toast Casserole to the next level:

• Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard better and holds its shape while baking.
• Toast the bread first: Even a quick 10-minute dry-out in the oven improves texture.
• Don’t skimp on the chill time: Letting it soak overnight ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
• Add texture: Top with chopped nuts, seeds, or granola right before baking for crunch.
• Switch up the flavor: Try flavored extracts like almond, maple, or orange to give the dish a unique twist.
• Make it in advance: You can freeze the whole thing (unbaked) for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight and bake as usual.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This dish is forgiving, but there are a few things that can throw it off if you’re not careful.

• Using too-soft bread: Bread that’s too fresh will turn mushy after soaking. Use firmer or stale bread.
• Skipping the rest time: Rushing this step leaves dry spots and uneven flavor.
• Overbaking: If you bake too long, the casserole can dry out. Look for a golden top and a slight jiggle in the center.
• Using cold ingredients: Let your milk and eggs come to room temperature to help everything blend smoothly.
• Too much topping: A heavy streusel topping can weigh it down. Keep it light and crumbly.

How to Store It

This casserole is made for leftovers.

To store, let the dish cool completely. Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.

• In the fridge: Store for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through.
• In the freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

If you’re making it ahead of time, you can prep the whole thing the night before, refrigerate it unbaked, and simply bake it in the morning.

FAQ

Can I make French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s best that way! Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake it fresh the next morning.

What type of bread works best?
Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal because they’re sturdy and absorb custard without falling apart.

Can I freeze French Toast Casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked or baked casserole, tightly wrapped. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and vegan butter. The result will be slightly lighter but still delicious.

What’s the best topping for French Toast Casserole?
A buttery cinnamon streusel is the classic choice, but chopped pecans, cream cheese swirls, or maple glaze all work beautifully.

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