The Absolute Best French Toast Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a mouthwatering French toast casserole brings pure breakfast magic to your morning routine.

Soft bread cubes soak overnight in a creamy custard mixture that promises incredible flavor.

Cinnamon and vanilla dance through each delectable bite, creating a comforting breakfast experience.

Weekend brunch crowds will swoon over this simple yet impressive dish that feels like a warm hug.

Layers of bread, eggs, and sweet spices combine into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that requires minimal morning effort.

Crispy edges and a tender center make this casserole irresistible for anyone seeking a delightful breakfast treat.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and impress everyone at the breakfast table.

FAQs

• What type of bread works best for this French toast casserole?

Challah, brioche, or day-old French bread are ideal because they’re sturdy and can absorb the egg mixture without falling apart, creating a rich and custardy texture.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate for 4-8 hours, which allows the bread to fully absorb the egg mixture and develop deeper flavors.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set. When you gently press the center, it should spring back and not look wet or runny. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Why French Toast Casserole Stands Apart

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Dive into a recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving delicious seafood.
• Flavor-Packed Marinade: Enjoy a spectacular blend of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, zesty garlic, and warm ginger that infuses the shrimp with incredible depth and richness.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Pair this protein-rich dish with rice, noodles, or salad for a complete meal that works for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Minimal Cleanup Required: Prepare this one-pan wonder using just a skillet, reducing kitchen mess and making post-meal cleanup a breeze for everyone involved.

Ingredients for French Toast Casserole

• Bread: A sturdy white or challah bread that will absorb the custard mixture without falling apart.
• Eggs: The binding agent that helps create a rich and creamy texture for the casserole.
• Milk: Provides liquid and helps create a smooth custard base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, velvety consistency.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a caramelized top layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic profile.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Provide warm, comforting spices that complement the sweet base.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of other flavors.

• Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

How to Bake French Toast Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a generous swipe of butter and coat every inch of your 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring no spot is left ungreased.

Step 2: Arrange Bread Cubes

Scatter the bread cubes across the buttered dish, creating an even, inviting layer that will soak up all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Create the Magical Custard Mixture

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Blend until the mixture is smooth and beautifully combined.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, using your hands or a spatula to press down softly and ensure every bread piece gets a luxurious bath of flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight, allowing the bread to absorb all the wonderful flavors.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), getting ready to transform your casserole into a golden, puffy delight.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Helpful Notes for French Toast Casserole

• Prep the casserole the night before for maximum flavor absorption and convenience.
• Choose slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for better texture and richer taste.
• Adjust sweetness by varying sugar types or adding a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
• Ensure even soaking by gently pressing bread cubes into the egg mixture, allowing each piece to absorb liquid thoroughly.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or replacing bread with cubed croissants for extra indulgence.

Flavor Twists for French Toast Casserole

• Tropical Paradise: Replace regular bread with coconut bread, add diced pineapple and mango chunks, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top after baking.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the egg mixture, layer chocolate chips between bread cubes, top with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
• Berry Bliss: Fold fresh mixed berries into the casserole before baking, garnish with raspberry coulis and additional fresh berries after cooking.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans and walnuts into the bread layer, drizzle caramel sauce over the finished casserole, sprinkle extra nuts on top.

Best Ways to Present French Toast Casserole

• Breakfast Bliss Platter: Sprinkle powdered sugar generously over the warm casserole. Top with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and tangy sweetness.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Drizzle pure maple syrup over each serving. Add a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with toasted chopped pecans or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Decadent Dessert Style: Transform the casserole into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle warm caramel sauce and sprinkle cinnamon on top for an indulgent after-dinner treat that feels luxurious and comforting.

How to Store French Toast Casserole Properly

• Store the French toast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup to refresh the flavors.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.

How To Make The Absolute Best French Toast Casserole Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Heavenly French Toast Casserole merges bread pudding comfort with classic breakfast magic. Pillowy layers of cinnamon-soaked bread create a crowd-pleasing morning treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Butter for greasing the dish

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Instructions

1. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
2. Distribute bread cubes uniformly across the prepared dish, creating an even layer.
3. Combine eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently pour the liquid mixture over the bread cubes, using a spatula to softly press down and ensure each bread piece becomes thoroughly saturated.
5. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the bread to absorb the flavor-rich custard.
6. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350F (175C).
7. Place the covered casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, maintaining consistent temperature.
8. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center appears set.
9. Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes, which helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
10. Garnish with preferred toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream before serving.

Notes

• Choose day-old, slightly stale challah or brioche for maximum absorption and custardy texture.
• Prepare the casserole the night before to enhance flavor development and save morning prep time.
• Swap dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, and use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly option.
• Gently press bread cubes while soaking to ensure even custard distribution and prevent dry spots.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg