Why You’ll Love French Toast Casserole Recipe
This casserole saves time and effort—simply assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning. The bread soaks up the custard overnight, giving it a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the cinnamon-sugar topping adds a hint of sweetness and crunch. It’s kid-approved, customizable with different toppings, and ideal for feeding a crowd without standing over the stove flipping slices.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Day-old bread (such as brioche, challah, or French bread)
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Large eggs
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Whole milk or half-and-half
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Granulated sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Ground cinnamon
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Salt
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Butter, melted
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Brown sugar
Directions
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut bread into cubes and arrange evenly in the dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
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Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing lightly so all cubes soak up the liquid.
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Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter with brown sugar and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
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Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy plain or with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Servings and timing
Serves 8–10.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: Overnight (or at least 4 hours)
Baking time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: About 9 hours including chilling
Variations
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Berry French Toast Casserole: Add a layer of fresh or frozen berries before pouring on the custard.
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Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a fall twist.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping before baking.
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Chocolate Chip: Fold mini chocolate chips into the bread cubes for a sweeter version.
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Savory Option: Omit sugar and cinnamon, and add cheese, ham, or vegetables for a breakfast bake.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, but to avoid a soggy casserole, lightly toast fresh bread cubes before using.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and plant-based butter.
Can I bake it right after assembling?
Yes, though the texture will be softer; chilling allows the custard to fully absorb.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce the sugar in the custard or topping to suit your preference.
What bread works best?
Brioche, challah, or French bread hold up well and give a rich flavor.
Can I add flavor extracts?
Yes, almond or maple extract can be added for a different twist.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The center should be set and a knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.
Can I prepare smaller portions?
Yes, halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch dish for fewer servings.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm, but chilled leftovers can be eaten like bread pudding.
Can I add a glaze instead of syrup?
Yes, a cream cheese glaze pairs wonderfully with this casserole.
Conclusion
French toast casserole is a delicious, family-friendly breakfast that’s both easy to make and a joy to serve. Preparing it the night before means your morning can be stress-free, with a warm, aromatic dish ready to delight everyone at the table. Whether topped with syrup, fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s bound to become a staple in your breakfast rotation.
French Toast Casserole
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A sweet, cinnamon-spiced French toast casserole that’s prepped the night before and baked in the morning — perfect for easy breakfasts and weekend brunches.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: About 9 hours including chilling
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- For the topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add bread cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down lightly to soak.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping over the soaked bread.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- You can use French bread or sourdough instead of brioche for a chewier texture.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch.
- For a less sweet version, reduce sugar by 1/4 cup.