If you’re craving a brunch that feels extra special yet requires minimal morning effort, you’re going to fall in love with this French Toast Casserole. Imagine cubes of pillowy French bread, soaked in a sweet cinnamon-infused custard, then baked until golden beneath a buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping that forms the most irresistible crunchy finish. This is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table—family, friends, or that surprise guest—smiling in anticipation. Whether you love cozy weekend mornings or need a make-ahead crowd-pleaser for a holiday, French Toast Casserole never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Toast Casserole lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an important role, bringing flavor, texture, or that little touch of decadence to your breakfast table. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- French bread: Sturdy and airy, French bread soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart, giving the casserole its delightful texture.
- Large eggs: Essential for creating that custardy base—a classic element in any French toast recipe, and they bind all the flavors together.
- Whole milk: Provides richness and creaminess, helping achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
- Heavy cream: Adds another layer of indulgence, ensuring your casserole is extra luscious.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances out the savory undertones of the bread and eggs.
- Brown sugar: Delivers warmth and deep caramel notes—wonderful in both the custard and the crumbly topping.
- Vanilla extract: One whiff and you’ll understand—vanilla brings all the flavors together for that irresistible aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: Sweet and spicy, cinnamon is the heartbeat of French Toast Casserole’s comforting flavor profile.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds gentle nuttiness and depth—don’t skip it if you can help it!
- Salt: Elevates the sweetness and brings out subtle flavors throughout the dish.
- Butter (for greasing): No sticking here—and the buttery flavor adds even more homey goodness.
- All-purpose flour (for topping): The foundation of a crumbly, golden topping.
- Cold butter (for topping): Essential for those crisp, buttery little crumbs you’ll love.
How to Make French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Bread
Start by generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This not only prevents sticking but also lends a lovely flavor to the edges of your casserole. Pile the French bread cubes into the dish, spreading them evenly—they’ll look rustic and inviting, perfectly prepped to absorb all the custardy goodness that’s to come.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, gather your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together until thoroughly blended. The result is a rich, aromatic custard base that will soak beautifully into each bread cube, transforming them into soft, custardy bites with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over all the bread cubes in the dish. Use gentle hands (or even a spatula) to press down on the bread, making sure every piece is getting its fair share of soaking. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it—overnight is best, but four hours will do in a pinch. This chill time lets the bread absorb every drop while the flavors mingle and deepen.
Step 4: Make the Sweet Crumble Topping
When you’re ready to bake, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use your pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until everything forms small, pea-sized clumps. This is that legendary crumb topping—a buttery, sweet layer that bakes up crisp and golden.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread and slide the casserole into your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and a gentle press in the center feels set (not jiggly). Once out of the oven, give it 10 minutes to rest—this makes slicing easier and gives every flavor a moment to settle.
How to Serve French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
Nothing beats the classic finishing touches for French Toast Casserole. Dust it with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, drizzle with maple syrup for sticky sweetness, or crown each serving with a handful of fresh berries. If you’re feeling extra, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a beautiful contrast in textures.
Side Dishes
While this casserole is a showstopper on its own, pairing it with salty bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or crispy breakfast potatoes brings balance to your brunch spread. A simple fruit salad also makes a light and refreshing complement.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take things up a notch, try serving French Toast Casserole family-style straight from the baking dish with a big serving spoon. Or, for an elegant brunch, slice into neat squares, plate individually, and top each with unique garnishes. Mini ramekins can transform the casserole into adorable, personal servings at a bridal shower or holiday party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this casserole are pretty much gold. Once cooled, transfer slices or scoops to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The texture stays lovely, and the flavors continue to deepen—making for a fantastic second breakfast or late-night treat.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze French Toast Casserole! Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place them in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that freshly baked magic, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping regains some crispness. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just expect a slightly softer top. Either way, a warm slice tastes as dreamy as the first day.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! Challah and brioche are fantastic alternatives—they’re rich and sturdy, soaking up the custard without turning mushy. You can also try day-old sandwich bread, but avoid anything too soft and fresh, or the texture may suffer.
Is it okay to skip the overnight chill if I’m in a hurry?
You’ll get the most custardy, flavorful result with at least a 4-hour soak, but if you absolutely can’t wait, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking. While it won’t be quite as decadent, it’s still delicious in a pinch!
Can I make French Toast Casserole dairy free?
Definitely. Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or soy) and use plant-based cream and butter in both the custard and the topping. It’ll still taste wonderfully rich and comforting.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom in my casserole?
The key is to use bread that’s slightly stale or dried out, as it holds up best to the custard. Make sure to press the bread into the mixture so it evenly absorbs the liquid, and don’t skimp on baking time—wait until the center is fully set.
Can I add mix-ins like fruit or nuts?
Go for it! Blueberries, sliced bananas, or diced apples are all fantastic additions. For texture, stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. Just scatter them with the bread cubes before pouring on the custard so everything bakes up together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the anticipation as French Toast Casserole bakes, filling your kitchen with the cozy aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and butter. It’s cheerful, heartwarming, and truly a treat for any occasion. I hope you try this recipe soon—your mornings deserve a breakfast that’s this delicious!
Print
French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chill)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this scrumptious French Toast Casserole. Perfect for a make-ahead brunch or a cozy weekend morning, this baked French toast is a crowd-pleaser with its sweet custard-soaked bread and a buttery cinnamon topping.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread (about 14 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing)
Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prep the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Place the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
- Prepare the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing gently to ensure all cubes are coated. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Top with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- You can substitute challah or brioche for French bread.
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped pecans.
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