French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for the most magical make-ahead breakfast, this French Toast Casserole is your answer! Imagine golden cubes of rich, custardy bread with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, baked until gloriously puffed and drizzled with warm maple syrup. It’s the ultimate brunch crowd-pleaser—easy to assemble the night before and absolutely irresistible straight from the oven. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just want to treat the family on a cozy Sunday morning, this is one dish guaranteed to spark joy around your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples and fridge essentials come together for maximum flavor and comfort. Every ingredient plays a key role, from the richness of the dairy to the perfect blend of spices that make every bite sing.

• Day-old French bread: Using slightly stale bread helps it soak up all that luscious custard without getting soggy—go for a hearty loaf and cube it up.
• Large eggs: Eight eggs form the backbone of the creamy custard and give the casserole its wonderful structure.
• Whole milk: Adds a nice richness and helps meld the eggs and cream together.
• Heavy cream: For extra decadence, this makes the custard ultra-silky and luxurious.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the casserole, balancing all the warm spices.
• Packed brown sugar: Delivers a gorgeous caramel undertone—don’t skip it!
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a cozy bakery aroma everyone loves.
• Ground cinnamon: The signature spice—French toast just wouldn’t be the same without it.
• Ground nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way for that elusive, can’t-put-your-finger-on-it deliciousness.
• Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop.
• Powdered sugar: A fluttery dusting over the top turns every slice into something special.
• Maple syrup: Essential for serving—choose real maple syrup for a true treat.
• Fresh berries (optional): Add a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread

Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—trust me, this makes serving and cleanup a breeze! Then, cut your day-old French bread into chunky 1-inch cubes and spread them out in the prepared dish. The bread should fill the dish in a generous, even layer—this will make sure every piece gets coated in delicious custard.

Step 2: Whip Up the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Take your time with this step—whisk until everything is well combined and the sugars have dissolved into the creamy, fragrant mixture.

Step 3: Combine and Soak

Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure to cover each piece. Press down lightly with a spatula or your hands so the bread can soak up all that marvelous eggy goodness. This is where the magic happens! Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or at least 4 hours, so the flavors mingle and the bread fully absorbs the custard.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, take the French Toast Casserole out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set but still slightly custardy. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Right before serving, give your masterpiece a dusting of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and (if you want to get fancy) a handful of fresh berries. Each warm, fluffy spoonful will be pure breakfast heaven!

How to Serve French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Let your creativity shine with toppings! A snowy layer of powdered sugar and a slow ribbon of maple syrup are classics, but don’t stop there—try a spoonful of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a touch of tartness.

Side Dishes

Pairing your French Toast Casserole with the right sides rounds out the perfect brunch. Crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage balance the sweetness, while a fresh fruit salad brings brightness to the table. For larger groups, a bowl of tangy yogurt or a pitcher of fresh orange juice makes everyone feel welcome and satisfied.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut the casserole into neat squares and serve on a platter garnished with mint sprigs and berries. For casual mornings, let folks scoop their own portions straight from the baking dish for a comfy, family-style feel. You can even bake the mixture in individual ramekins for personal servings—how adorable is that?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If by some miracle you have leftovers, simply cover the dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. French Toast Casserole will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavor might be even richer the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. To freeze individual portions, pop them into freezer-safe bags so you can reheat just what you need for busy mornings.

Reheating

To enjoy again, reheat slices in the microwave for about a minute, or in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! Brioche or challah are both fantastic alternatives, giving an even richer, more luxurious texture. Just make sure the bread is a day or two old for maximum soak-up power!

Do I have to refrigerate the casserole overnight?

Not necessarily, but chilling it for at least 4 hours really lets the custard soak in and develop all those great flavors. If you’re in a hurry, a shorter chill works, but the result might be a little less custardy.

Can French Toast Casserole be made dairy-free?

You sure can! Use your favorite dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and substitute coconut cream or a vegan heavy cream alternative. The texture and flavor will still be absolutely crave-worthy.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Go wild! Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips on top of the casserole before baking for added crunch and flavor. It’s a fun way to customize your creation, especially for holidays or special breakfasts.

Is French Toast Casserole suitable for a large crowd?

It’s perfect for feeding a hungry group! The recipe fills a 9×13-inch dish and yields about 8 generous servings, but it’s easy to double for bigger parties—just use two baking dishes and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this French Toast Casserole enough—it’s the kind of breakfast that brings everyone running to the kitchen and leaves only crumbs behind. If you’ve never tried baking your French toast before, let this be your new favorite tradition. Gather your loved ones, brew some fresh coffee, and dig in!

Print