Name: Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup half and half; 1 cup milk; 6 large eggs; 1/3 cup (67 g) brown sugar; 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt*; 1 (14-16 ounces) loaf of brioche bread, sliced 1 inch thick & halved diagonally*; 3/4 cup (98 g) all purpose flour; 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 8 Tablespoons (113 g) salted butter; Homemade whipped cream*

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy breakfast to impress your family or friends, this Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the kind of dish I make when I want something indulgent but also easy to prep ahead—perfect for a holiday morning or weekend brunch. You’ll love how the custardy, cinnamon-spiced brioche bakes up with a crunchy streusel topping, and I’m here to walk you through every step so you feel confident making it yourself.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, saving you time and stress.
Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar brings out the brioche’s natural sweetness beautifully.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this casserole every time—it’s perfect for feeding a group.
Beautiful Presentation: The golden streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and makes it look stunning on the table.

A round dessert with two main layers is shown in a pan. The bottom layer is a golden-brown, slightly risen cake with some darker browned spots. On top is a crumbly, light brown streusel layer that covers most of the surface unevenly. There is a dollop of white cream in the center with four bright red raspberries placed around and on it. A light dusting of powdered sugar is scattered over parts of the streusel and cake edges. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brioche French Toast Casserole, easy brunch breakfast, holiday breakfast ideas, make-ahead French toast, cinnamon streusel casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic happens when you combine the richness of the eggs and cream with the softness of brioche bread—plus that irresistible cinnamon streusel. If you pick a high-quality brioche, your casserole will practically sing. I always look for well-baked loaves with a slight sweetness and sturdy crumb so the bread holds up well soaking the custard without turning to mush.

Flat lay of a sliced loaf of fresh brioche bread with thick diagonal cuts, six whole large brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of half and half, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with golden salted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, and a dollop of homemade whipped cream on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Brioche French Toast Casserole, easy brunch breakfast, holiday breakfast ideas, make-ahead French toast, cinnamon streusel casserole

Half and half: Adds richness without being as heavy as cream—perfect for that custardy texture.
Milk: I use whole milk for balance and to help loosen the custard mixture.
Large eggs: The foundation of the custard—fresh eggs make all the difference in flavor and texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Vanilla extract: Use real vanilla if you can—it really elevates the overall taste.
Cinnamon: The warm spice that makes this casserole so comforting.
Kosher salt: I swear by Morton kosher salt for even seasoning; it enhances all the flavors without being too salty.
Brioche bread: The star here—its light, tender crumb soaks up the custard like a dream.
All-purpose flour: For that streusel topping, to give it structure and a buttery crunch.
Salted butter: Cubed and cold for mixing into the streusel—this bit of fat keeps the topping perfectly crumbly.
Homemade whipped cream (optional): It’s my go-to topping, light and sweet to balance the casserole’s richness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to switch things up now and then—it keeps this casserole exciting whether it’s Christmas morning or a casual brunch. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins or toppings to personalize your Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe.

Add nuts or chocolate chips: I’ve sprinkled in chopped pecans or chocolate chips under the custard before, and it’s always a hit—adds just the right extra texture or sweetness.
Fruit topping: Fresh berries or sliced bananas are fantastic either baked on top or added fresh when serving.
Dairy alternatives: You can swap the half and half and milk for almond milk or oat milk if you need a dairy-free version—just know the texture may be a tad less rich.
Reduce streusel: If you’re not a huge fan of streusel, halving the topping still delivers crunch without overwhelming the dish.

How to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Whisk that custard

Start by combining the half and half, milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. I like to whisk it thoroughly until everything is blended and the brown sugar starts to dissolve—this mix is what gives the casserole that luscious, creamy interior.

Step 2: Layer your brioche

Grease a roomy baking dish—at least 3.5 quarts or a deep 9×13 inch pan works great. Arrange your brioche slices in the dish, angled and overlapping slightly. I slice my brioche about an inch thick and cut diagonally for a pretty presentation and better custard absorption.

Step 3: Soak and rest

Ladle the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure each slice is fully coated. This is where patience comes in—let it sit uncovered for 15-20 minutes to really soak in. If you want to prep ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight; I love this because it deepens the flavor and means less work the next morning.

Step 4: Bake covered for custardy perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the casserole is resting or coming straight out of the fridge, go ahead and pop it in covered (foil works fine) for 25 minutes if room temp, or 30-35 minutes if chilled. This trapped steam helps the bread cook through without drying out.

Step 5: Make the streusel topping

While the casserole’s baking, stir together the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles small peas. This crumbly topping creates that dreamy contrast on top.

Step 6: Top and finish baking

After the initial covered baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for another 25-30 minutes, watching for that golden, bubbly finish. The smell at this point? Pure magic.

Step 7: Rest before serving

Once out of the oven, give your casserole about 10 minutes to cool and set. This lets it firm up so it slices nicely and stops whipped cream or syrup from melting straight off.

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Pro Tips for Making Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

Dry Out the Bread: I like to let my brioche sit uncovered overnight before using—it soaks up the custard without turning soggy, giving a bakery-quality texture.
Use a Large Dish: This casserole puffs up a lot while baking, sometimes almost tripling in size; a roomy 3.5 quart dish prevents overflow and ensures even cooking.
Don’t Rush the Soak: Giving the bread at least 15 minutes to absorb the custard is key; overnight is even better—I’ve found this step makes a huge difference in flavor.
Give It Time to Cool: Serve it too hot and your whipped cream will melt right off—waiting about 10 minutes helps keep your toppings perfect.

How to Serve Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always top mine with homemade whipped cream—it’s light, fluffy, and perfectly balances the sweet richness. Fresh berries like blueberries or sliced strawberries add a lovely pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, I drizzle just a touch of pure maple syrup for that classic combo. A sprinkle of powdered sugar never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with crispy breakfast sausage or thick-cut bacon to add a savory counterpoint. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with citrus dressing also brightens the meal. If you want to go all out, a pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice or a rich latte makes the brunch feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving for a holiday or special brunch, I like to garnish the casserole with whole cinnamon sticks and a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for that cozy vibe. It’s fun to use festive dishes or place the casserole on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh sprigs of rosemary or holly for a seasonal touch that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay delicious for about 2-3 days. Just be sure to cover tightly so the bread doesn’t dry out. Leftover casserole is as tasty for a quick breakfast or snack later in the week as it is fresh.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole is totally doable! I usually portion it into single servings wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. It’s a great time-saver if you want to prep batches ahead of busy mornings.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes to retain the crisp topping and cozy warmth. The microwave works in a pinch but can make the streusel a bit soggy. If you’re short on time, you can also toast individual portions in a toaster oven to bring back some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than brioche for this casserole?

Absolutely! While brioche is preferred for its buttery, tender texture and light sweetness, you can substitute challah or good-quality French bread. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or dried out first to better absorb the custard without getting soggy.
Do I have to bake the casserole right after assembling it?

Nope! You can cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight after pouring the custard. This actually improves the flavor and texture by letting the bread soak up the mixture fully. Just remember to increase baking time slightly if it’s going into the oven chilled.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets, substitute the brioche with a gluten-free bread that holds its shape well (like a sturdy gluten-free bakery loaf). Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the streusel topping. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly.
What’s the best way to store leftovers to keep the streusel crunchy?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but for best crunch, reheat uncovered in the oven or toaster oven. The microwave tends to soften the streusel topping.
Can I add mix-ins like fruit or nuts?

Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or berries under the custard before baking. These mix-ins add fun texture and flavor, making the casserole even more special.

Final Thoughts

This Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a very special place in my kitchen repertoire. It feels like a hug on a plate with its tender custardy texture and crave-worthy streusel topping. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded of festive mornings filled with laughter and good food. I absolutely recommend you give it a try—whether for a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, you’ll love the warmth and comfort it brings to your table.