Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

This Baked French Toast Casserole transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting breakfast that’s impossible to resist. Imagine cubes of French bread soaked in a vanilla-cinnamon custard, baked until puffy and golden, then showered with powdered sugar and drizzled in maple syrup. Whether you’re hosting brunch, feeding a family crowd, or simply wanting to make morning extra delightful, this dish delivers sweet, cozy flavors in every bite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Baked French Toast Casserole recipe bring something special to the final dish. From the creamy custard base to the crunchy, toasty topping, each one has a role to play in creating that irresistible blend of soft and crisp textures and flavors.

• French bread: Day-old bread is best because it soaks up the custard without getting mushy—use a dense loaf for heartier texture.
• Large eggs: Give the casserole structure and that classic custardy bite.
• Whole milk: Helps create a rich, creamy custard base that perfectly saturates the bread cubes.
• Heavy cream: Adds extra indulgence and gives the casserole a velvety finish.
• Brown sugar: Infuses each bite with subtle caramel notes and helps form a golden crust.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and brings lovely, aromatic sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers warmth and a familiar French toast taste.
• Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way for depth and gentle spice.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and lets the other ingredients shine.
• Chopped pecans (optional): Add crunch and a nutty, toasty flavor if you like a little texture on top.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Encourages browning and a deliciously crisp top crust.
• Powdered sugar and maple syrup: Must-have finishes! Powdered sugar dusts prettily and maple syrup soaks in for pure breakfast joy.

How to Make Baked French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter your cut, day-old bread cubes in an even layer, making sure there’s plenty of nooks and crannies to catch the custard later. This simple step is key to getting those toasty tops and soft centers everyone loves in Baked French Toast Casserole.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mix

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs first, then slowly add the whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is perfectly smooth and fully combined—you want the flavors of that custard mixture in every bite!

Step 3: Pour and Soak

Pour the custard generously over the bread cubes, ensuring that all of the bread gets a good soak. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula or your hands so they absorb as much delicious liquid as possible. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least four hours or, even better, overnight so the magic really happens.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare to Bake

When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge and let it warm up on the counter for about 20–30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole bake evenly and keeps it from being too cold in the middle.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

If you’re using chopped pecans, sprinkle them over the soaked bread, then drizzle the top with melted unsalted butter for a beautiful golden finish. Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until you have a puffed, golden brown top and the center no longer jiggles. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the Baked French Toast Casserole cool for about 10 minutes so it sets up and is easy to slice. Right before serving, dust generously with powdered sugar and bring out the maple syrup for pouring. Every bite will be perfectly sweet, creamy, and crunchy around the edges!

How to Serve Baked French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Classic powdered sugar is always welcome, but a handful of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream adds a pop of color and freshness. A pat of butter melting over the top just as you serve is pure morning joy. Drizzle that maple syrup generously—it truly brings this breakfast over the top.

Side Dishes

Balance out the sweetness of your Baked French Toast Casserole with savory sides like crispy bacon, sausage patties, or scrambled eggs. If you prefer lighter fare, offer up a bowl of mixed fruit or a simple green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette—these add both crunch and brightness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, portion the casserole into ramekins before baking for individual servings. You can also set up a topping bar with bowls of fresh berries, chopped nuts, honey, and different syrups for everyone to customize their own slice. Or, cut the casserole into cubes and serve on a platter for a fun, shareable breakfast bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have a little Baked French Toast Casserole left after breakfast, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge and enjoy within three days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire dish in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick breakfast—just sprinkle a few drops of water on top and cover loosely to keep things moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I use another type Breakfast

Absolutely! Brioche and challah are both fantastic choices if you want an even richer texture. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best, as it holds up beautifully to the custard soak.

Does this need to sit overnight, or can I bake it right away?

While overnight chilling offers incredible flavor and texture, you can let the casserole soak for at least 4 hours if you’re in a crunch. The bread just needs time to absorb the custard fully for that signature creamy interior.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

Be sure to use a heartier loaf of bread—day-old is ideal. Press down the bread gently after pouring the custard, and don’t skip the resting time. Baking uncovered ensures any excess moisture cooks off and the top crisps beautifully.

What other toppings can I try with Baked French Toast Casserole?

Get creative! Try fresh fruit, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, fruit compote, flavored whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. The neutral, gently sweet base works well with so many flavor combinations.

Can I make this Baked French Toast Casserole dairy-free?

Yes, swap the milk and heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk, and use a plant-based butter. The casserole will still be delicious and creamy!

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Baked French Toast Casserole, it disappears faster than I can blink—it’s that delicious! If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing breakfast or an easy make-ahead brunch dish, give this recipe a try. Share it with the special people in your life, and don’t forget the powdered sugar and maple syrup. You’ll be making breakfast memories, one irresistible bite at a time.

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