Name: French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (about 12 ounces) day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; powdered sugar and maple syrup

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If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both ridiculously delicious and practically fuss-free, French Toast Casserole is about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine everything you love about classic French toast, but baked in a single dish until irresistibly puffy and golden. Soaked bread cubes become custardy and fragrant, the brown sugar topping gets caramelized, and the whole thing transforms into breakfast heaven without anyone standing over a skillet. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a brunch celebration, this French Toast Casserole guarantees smiles from the very first bite.

French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple but smart, relying on just a handful of familiar ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays its part, from the pillowy bread absorbing the creamy custard to the aromatic vanilla and cinnamon that make every bite cozy and comforting.

French bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread is perfect for soaking up the custard and baking into that signature soft-yet-structured texture.
Eggs: The backbone of your custard, eggs give the casserole its rich, cohesive feel.
Whole milk: Adds body and creaminess without making things too heavy.
Heavy cream: Ensures your French Toast Casserole is extra indulgent and luxurious.
Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness to the custard base for that perfect balance.
Vanilla extract: Lends a fragrant, bakery-style aroma that makes this casserole feel special.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth—French toast isn’t the same without it.
Salt: A pinch to bring all the flavors together and keep things from tasting flat.
Brown sugar: Sprinkled on top, it melts and caramelizes for that crave-worthy finish.
Unsalted butter: Mixed with brown sugar for a rich, golden topping.
Powdered sugar and maple syrup: The final flourish—dust and drizzle to your heart’s content.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut your loaf of day-old French bread into hearty 1-inch cubes—this ensures they soak up the custard perfectly without getting mushy. Spread the bread evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer ready to drink in all that goodness.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This creamy mixture is key, infusing the bread with flavor and creating that luscious texture. Don’t rush here: a thorough whisk ensures everything is beautifully blended.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down with a spatula or your hands to help the bread soak up every drop of custard. If it looks a little messy at this point, don’t worry—it’s all part of the magic.

Step 4: Add the Sweet Topping

Combine the brown sugar and melted butter in a small bowl until you get sandy, sweet crumbles. Sprinkle this all over the top of the casserole. As the French Toast Casserole bakes, you’ll get an irresistible layer of caramelized crunch.

Step 5: Chill and Bake

Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you’re prepping ahead). This long, cool soak lets the bread become fully saturated with custard, yielding the ideal texture. When you’re ready, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the top is puffed and golden brown, with no liquid custard left in the center.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the French Toast Casserole cool just slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Each slice should be fluffier than you ever thought possible—and every forkful is pure comfort.

How to Serve French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Give your French Toast Casserole a finishing touch with a snowy dusting of powdered sugar—it instantly looks brunch-worthy. For even more delight, add a few fresh berries, toasted nuts, or a sprig of mint on top. And don’t forget the classic splash of maple syrup, which soaks into the crispy edges beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole is the showstopper, but it loves a good sidekick. Try serving it with a fresh fruit salad for brightness, crispy bacon for contrast, or even a dollop of whipped cream to really lean into the indulgence. A hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed juice rounds out the breakfast table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, cut the casserole into fun shapes using cookie cutters (kids adore this). For brunch parties, serve squares in individual ramekins or mason jars for a mini-dessert vibe. It’s also fabulous layered with Greek yogurt and berries for a parfait-inspired surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover any leftover French Toast Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, and the next slice is just as dreamy as the first!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the whole baking dish tightly in foil, or portion slices into freezer containers. French Toast Casserole freezes well for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice into the microwave for 30–60 seconds until warm. For best results with larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes. This helps preserve the lovely soft interior and keeps the top slightly crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! While French bread provides a classic texture, brioche or challah make the French Toast Casserole even richer and more decadent. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread, as it can get too mushy.

Do I have to let the casserole soak overnight?

Overnight soaking gives the best results, ensuring every bread cube is perfectly custardy. But in a pinch, a minimum of two hours is fine if you’re short on time—just make sure the bread is well saturated before baking.

Can I make this French Toast Casserole dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Dairy-free butter or a quality margarine works for the topping, and you’ll have a dairy-free breakfast that’s just as luscious.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Using day-old bread is key, as it holds up better during soaking and baking. Also, keep an eye on bake time: the center should be set before you pull it from the oven. Letting the casserole cool slightly after baking also helps firm up each slice.

Can I add fruit or nuts into the casserole?

Of course! Toss in a handful of blueberries, sliced strawberries, or chopped pecans or walnuts before baking. These additions offer lovely pops of flavor and texture that complement the sweetness and warmth of the casserole.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried French Toast Casserole, there’s just no looking back—it transforms any morning into a cozy celebration. With its easy prep, indulgent flavor, and the magic of sharing a bubbling dish straight from the oven, this recipe is bound to become a breakfast tradition. Gather your favorite people, pour the coffee, and get ready for a new brunch favorite!

French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (including soaking)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delicious breakfast treat with this French Toast Casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd. This easy-to-make dish is a twist on classic French toast, with a delightful custardy center and a sweet, crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

1 loaf (about 12 ounces) day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Egg Mixture:

8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

Topping:

½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Serving:

powdered sugar and maple syrup

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Prepare bread: Place the bread cubes in the baking dish and pour the egg mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to soak.
Add topping: Mix brown sugar and melted butter; sprinkle over the casserole.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Bake: Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set.
Serve: Let cool slightly, dust with powdered sugar, and serve with maple syrup.