French Toast Casserole

Dec 06, 2024

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This French toast casserole is everything you love about the classic breakfast, baked into a golden, custardy dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you prep it the night before or whip it up fresh, it’s a no-fuss way to make mornings extra special.

Love easy breakfast recipes? Make sure you try our Basic Quiche Recipe, Hashbrown Casserole, or Tex Mex Migas next!

French toast casserole served on a white plate and drizzled with maple syrup.

Cozy Mornings Made Easy

French toast casserole feels like a little bit of breakfast genius that turns simple ingredients into something extra special. It’s the dish I pull out for slow weekend mornings or when we’re hosting brunch and I need something that feeds a crowd without breaking a sweat. What I love most? It’s all the cozy, custardy goodness of classic French toast, but in one big, golden-brown bake that lets you enjoy your coffee while the oven does the work.

This recipe comes with an option to prep it the night before, making mornings even easier. Whether you top it with syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s one of those meals that makes everyone feel a little more loved—yourself included. Because breakfast shouldn’t just be delicious; it should also be simple. Don’t you agree?

Why You will Love This REcipe

Effortless Prep: Simple to assemble, with an overnight option for stress-free mornings.
Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for brunches, holidays, or lazy weekends.
Comfort Food Classic: All the flavors of French toast, baked into a custardy, golden-brown casserole.
Customizable Toppings: Syrup, fruit, whipped cream—make it your own!
Kid and Guest Approved: A guaranteed hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients Needed

French Bread: The base for soaking up the custard; slightly stale bread works best, but if you only have fresh bread instructions are provided to help dry it ou. Substitute with brioche, challah, or any sturdy bread for a similar texture.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard. Large eggs are standard.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard. Use whole milk for the best texture, or substitute with half-and-half, almond milk, or oat milk if needed.
Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the custard with a hint of molasses. Substitute with granulated sugar, coconut sugar, or a mix of sugar and maple syrup.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor. Pure vanilla extract is ideal, but vanilla paste or even almond extract can be used as an alternative.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Find the complete recipe card below with measurements and full instructions.

Custard mixture for French toast casserole.

Cut french bread into one inch cubes, spread out into an even layer on a large baking sheet, and then bake the bread at 225 degrees F for 12-15 minutes to dry it out. If your bread is already stale you can skip this step.
While bread is baking, prepare custard by whisking eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, set this aside.

Pouring custard mixture over dried French bread cut into cubes in a baking dish.

Pull the bread from oven and transfer the bread from the baking sheet into a 9×13 inch cake pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Pour custard evenly over bread, pressing the bread down to ensure it is all coated in the custard mixture.
Prepare topping by mixing brown sugar, cinnamon and salt together in a small bowl.

French toast casserole with French bread cubed, custard poured over, sugar cinnamon topping and butter cubed up ready for baking.

Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar toppings over the top of the casserole. Then top with the cubed butter.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes.
To serve sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.

Storage Information

To Store: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
To Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Make Ahead Information

Overnight: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight for the bread to soak up the custard.
Next-Day: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Freezing: Assemble, cover, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Baked French toast casserole topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

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