French Toast Casserole Recipe

Say hello to your new brunch favorite: French Toast Casserole! Imagine all the goodness of classic French toast, but with way less fuss and a whole lot more cozy, custardy comfort baked right in. This crowd-pleaser is rich, golden, perfectly spiced, and—best of all—can be prepped the night before. So you wake up, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a decadent breakfast or brunch without breaking a sweat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a few simple ingredients work their magic in this French Toast Casserole. Each element matters, from the chewy, hearty bread to the aromatic vanilla and dreamy cream—everything is here to make brunch deeply satisfying and memorable.

• Bread (24 oz sourdough, brioche, challah, or French bread): Sturdy bread absorbs the rich custard while keeping its structure, giving you those irresistible, custardy bites under a slightly crisp top.
• Eggs (8 large): The backbone of the casserole: eggs create a silky custard that binds everything beautifully.
• Milk (2 cups): Helps soften the bread and build that luscious, creamy base.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup): A splash of decadence—this makes the casserole extra rich and luxurious.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Don’t skimp! It brings a fragrant, bakery-style aroma that makes this dish sing.
• Sugar (¾ cup): Adds the perfect level of sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour (½ cup, for topping): Essential for making the crumbly, buttery topping.
• Light Brown Sugar (½ cup, for topping): Gives every bite a caramelized, molasses-kissed finish.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for topping): Brings warmth and classic French toast flavor.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon, for topping): Balances all that sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Cold Unsalted Butter (½ cup, for topping): Cut into pieces so it melts into the topping, creating those crave-worthy crispy bits.

Variations

One of the joys of French Toast Casserole is how endlessly customizable it is. Tweak it based on what you have on hand, or let your cravings (and dietary needs) guide you—no matter what, it’s almost impossible to mess up!

• Berry Burst: Scatter fresh or frozen berries over the bread before soaking for an extra pop of juicy flavor and beautiful color.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch and a toasty, nutty finish.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use a rich non-dairy milk (like coconut or oat) and vegan butter for a decadent dairy-free casserole.
• Spiced-Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a bit of orange zest to make this French Toast Casserole truly your own.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Cube the Bread and Layer

Start by cutting your loaf of bread into hearty, 1-inch cubes. Scatter them evenly in a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This will let every nook get coated in the dreamy custard, and you’ll get that luscious layered texture in every scoop.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar in a medium bowl until it’s all beautifully combined with no streaks of egg. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets some love.

Step 3: Soak Overnight

Cover the dish snuggly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best). This gives the bread time to soak up all that custard, so the casserole bakes up soft and creamy inside.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

Mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like pea-sized crumbs. Pop the topping in a resealable bag and refrigerate—super easy!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden with just a little wiggle in the center. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve warm (and inhale that aroma!).

How to Serve French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted nuts add a gorgeous and delicious touch for your French Toast Casserole masterpiece.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or sausage links for a sweet-and-savory combo. If you want to keep things light, a simple fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait perfectly balances the richness of the French Toast Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your French Toast Casserole straight from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style meal, or cut it into neat squares and stack them on a platter with berries tucked in between for a brunch-worthy display. Individual ramekins also make an adorable (and personal) touch for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French Toast Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It keeps its soft, custardy texture surprisingly well, making seconds (or thirds) just as tempting!

Freezing

You can freeze either the whole unbaked casserole (wrap tightly in plastic and foil) or baked leftovers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes the French Toast Casserole an ideal option for prepping ahead for holidays or those “just in case” moments.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. A quick spin in the microwave works for individual portions, but the oven keeps the topping crisp and maintains the dreamy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, soul-satisfying brunch, this French Toast Casserole is everything you’re dreaming of—simple to prep, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to spark joy around your table. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with breakfast all over again!

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