French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole Recipe – Easy Make Ahead Breakfast

ByBella Skye
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French Toast Casserole

French toast casserole is a decadent, crowd-pleasing breakfast dish that combines the soft, custardy texture of traditional French toast with the ease of a baked casserole. This dish is special because it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld overnight, making mornings stress-free while still offering indulgence. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness from the custard and richness from the bread, with a slightly crisp, golden top. People love it for holidays, weekend brunches, and breakfast gatherings because it’s impressive yet simple to make.

More Casserole Recipes

What sets french toast casserole apart is its versatility and the variety of textures it delivers. The bread soaks in a rich custard overnight, absorbing the flavors and becoming luxuriously soft, while the topping often a crumbly streusel or extra cinnamon sugar adds a delightful contrast. Whether baked plain or stuffed with cream cheese, berries, or chocolate, every forkful feels indulgent, comforting, and satisfying. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat without requiring individual preparation for each slice, making it perfect for family meals or holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This french toast casserole recipe is designed to simplify your mornings while delivering rich, restaurant-quality flavors. It requires minimal hands-on time but results in a custard-soaked, golden-baked delight that pleases both kids and adults. Using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can achieve a breakfast casserole with perfectly soft bread, flavorful custard, and a lightly crisp top. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving brunch, holiday breakfast, or any occasion where you want a memorable, fuss-free meal.

French Toast Casserole

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its flexibility. It can be made overnight, making it ideal for busy mornings or entertaining guests. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and simply bake it when ready. Additionally, the recipe is versatile enough to accommodate different breads, flavor add-ins, or toppings, allowing you to customize it for any occasion. From stuffed French toast casserole overnight versions to simple cinnamon French toast bakes, this dish can adapt to your preferred style while still delivering that comforting, indulgent breakfast experience.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also serving

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Soaking Time: 6-12 hours (overnight recommended)
  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (excluding overnight soak)
  • This recipe serves 8-10 people generously, making it ideal for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or meal prep for the week.

Ingredients

For the French Toast Base:

  • 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk (or milk alternative)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Stuffing Add-ins:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen berries
  • 1 cup cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Substitution Notes

  • Milk and cream can be replaced with any dairy or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk.
  • Bread can be substituted with French bread, sourdough, or even leftover bread for a practical variation.
  • Butter can be replaced with margarine or coconut oil in the topping.
  • Sugar can be adjusted or substituted with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
French Toast Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

french toast vector

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the brioche or challah loaf into 1-inch cubes. If using stale bread, this helps the bread absorb the custard better, resulting in a softer, custardy texture. Place the cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

french toast vector

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.

french toast vector

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped nuts if desired. Set aside until ready to bake.

french toast vector

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven heats.

french toast vector

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread and custard mixture. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve french toast casserole warm straight from the oven to enjoy the perfect balance of custardy bread and lightly crisp topping. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness, or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. For extra indulgence, top each portion with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of yogurt, or a few fresh berries. Pairing it with breakfast sides like crispy bacon, sausage links, or fresh fruit creates a complete and satisfying brunch experience that will impress family and guests alike.

French Toast Casserole

For holiday or special occasions, consider presenting the casserole in individual portions on small plates for a personalized touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few mint leaves, or even a handful of toasted nuts for added texture and visual appeal. French toast casserole also pairs beautifully with warm beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making it a versatile dish for casual breakfasts, festive brunches, or even celebratory breakfast-for-dinner nights. The presentation and accompaniments help elevate this comforting dish into a memorable, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Additional Tips

  • Use slightly stale bread for best custard absorption.
  • Press the bread gently into the custard to ensure even soaking.
  • Let the casserole sit for at least 5 minutes after baking before serving to allow the custard to set.
  • Customize the topping with nuts, coconut flakes, or streusel for added texture.
  • Add fillings like cream cheese, chocolate, or berries for extra flavor layers.

Recipe Variations

  • Overnight Pull Apart French Toast Casserole
    Layer the bread and custard with cream cheese cubes or chocolate chips. The pull-apart effect makes each serving decadent and fun, perfect for family gatherings.
  • Cinnamon French Toast Bake with Berries
    Add a layer of fresh or frozen berries between bread cubes before pouring the custard. This gives a sweet, tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
  • Stuffed French Toast Casserole Overnight
    Stuff each bread cube with a small dollop of cream cheese or peanut butter before soaking in custard. The result is a rich, custardy casserole with gooey pockets of flavor in every bite.
  • Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole for Holiday Breakfast
    Prepare the casserole completely a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake the next morning for a stress-free holiday brunch or Thanksgiving breakfast.
  • French Bread Casserole Overnight
    Use French bread instead of brioche for a lighter texture with slightly firmer bite. This is ideal if you prefer less rich casseroles while maintaining classic flavors.

Freezing and Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • For long-term storage, freeze unbaked casserole for up to 1 month, covered tightly with foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
  • Casserole can also be baked and then frozen; reheat in the oven to restore freshness.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (1/8 of casserole):

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg

Final Words

French toast casserole is a versatile and indulgent breakfast that combines ease of preparation with the luxurious flavors of custard-soaked bread and a golden, slightly crisp topping. Its ability to be made ahead of time makes it perfect for busy mornings, holiday breakfasts, or casual brunches with friends and family. Each slice offers a delightful contrast of textures from soft, creamy interior to lightly crisped, flavorful top making it a dish that appeals to both adults and children alike. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a dish that feels elegant and comforting all at once.

What makes this casserole truly special is its adaptability. You can customize it with fresh or frozen berries, chocolate chips, or cream cheese for extra richness, or even adjust the bread type to suit your preference. This flexibility allows you to create a version that matches your flavor profile, whether you want something sweet, fruity, chocolatey, or slightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. By preparing it ahead of time, you can enjoy a stress-free morning while still serving a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to make.

Finally, french toast casserole is more than just a breakfast it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and togetherness. Serving this dish at a holiday brunch, Thanksgiving breakfast, or weekend gathering brings a sense of warmth and indulgence to the table. With this recipe, you can confidently prepare a crowd-pleasing breakfast that balances convenience, taste, and presentation. It’s a timeless dish that elevates everyday mornings into memorable occasions, encouraging you to enjoy both the cooking process and the delicious results.

FAQ’s

Yes, soak the bread in custard for at least 1 hour for a quicker version, though overnight soaking yields the best texture.

Brioche and challah are ideal due to their richness, but French bread, sourdough, or even slightly stale bread works well.

Absolutely, adding berries, sliced bananas, or chocolate chips enhances flavor and texture.

Microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Yes, both unbaked and baked casseroles can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking or reheating.

French Toast Casserole Recipe - Easy Make Ahead Breakfast
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French Toast Casserole Recipe – Easy Make Ahead Breakfast

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Casserole Recipes
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories

380

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the French Toast Base:

  • 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)

  • 8 large eggs

  • 2 cups whole milk (or milk alternative)

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • Optional Stuffing Add-ins:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen berries

  • 1 cup cream cheese, cubed

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

  • For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions

  • Cut the brioche or challah loaf into 1-inch cubes. If using stale bread, this helps the bread absorb the custard better, resulting in a softer, custardy texture. Place the cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are soaked. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.
  • In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped nuts if desired. Set aside until ready to bake.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while the oven heats.
  • Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the soaked bread and custard mixture. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use slightly stale bread for best custard absorption.
  • Press the bread gently into the custard to ensure even soaking.
  • Let the casserole sit for at least 5 minutes after baking before serving to allow the custard to set.
  • Customize the topping with nuts, coconut flakes, or streusel for added texture.
  • Add fillings like cream cheese, chocolate, or berries for extra flavor layers.

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