The Absolute Best French Toast Casserole Recipe Ever Made

When weekend brunch calls for something special, this french toast casserole delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Weekend mornings transform with a breakfast dish that combines crispy edges and soft, custardy centers.

Layers of bread soak in a rich, creamy mixture of eggs, milk, and warm spices.

Cinnamon and vanilla weave through each delectable bite, creating a breakfast sensation that feels almost magical.

Overnight preparation makes this casserole a stress-free morning solution for busy households.

The golden-brown top sprinkled with powdered sugar promises a delightful start to any day.

Dive into this irresistible breakfast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes French Toast Casserole So Good

• Simplify Breakfast Prep: Skip individual french toast cooking and bake an entire casserole that feeds multiple people simultaneously, reducing morning kitchen stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers warm, sweet flavors everyone loves with minimal effort, perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches where people want delicious food without complicated cooking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish the night before, allowing ingredients to soak and develop rich flavors while you sleep, then pop it in the oven for a hassle-free morning meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
• Versatile Serving Option: Easily customizable with different bread types, nuts, or toppings like maple syrup or powdered sugar, making it adaptable for various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for the Ultimate French Toast Casserole

• Bread: Soft, day-old bread that absorbs the custard mixture well and creates a rich texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the casserole's custard base.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Create a smooth, creamy custard that makes the casserole luxuriously tender.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and depth of flavor to the French toast casserole.
• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Enhance the warm, comforting flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall taste of the casserole.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Pecans: Create a crunchy, caramelized topping that adds texture and additional sweetness to the casserole.

How to Make the Best French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Bread Base

Slice bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.

Step 3: Whip Up Magical Custard

In a large mixing bowl, crack eggs and whisk them together with milk, heavy cream, white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Soak Overnight

Pour the creamy custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld.

Step 5: Prepare Crunchy Topping

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Chopped pecans

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F and remove the casserole from the refrigerator.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle the buttery pecan mixture evenly over the soaked bread.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the center is set.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the French toast casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy warm.

Tips for Golden, Custardy French Toast Casserole

• Use slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for better absorption of custard mixture and crispier texture.
• Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes after baking to help set and prevent excess moisture at the bottom of the dish.
• Prepare entire casserole night before for stress-free morning entertaining and deeper flavor development.
• Reduce sugar in custard mixture if using sweetened milk or cream alternatives for balanced taste.
• Swap milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk for lactose-intolerant guests without compromising rich, creamy texture.

Creative Twists on Classic French Toast Casserole

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional bread with gluten-free bread cubes, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this classic breakfast casserole.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute whole milk and cream with almond milk or coconut milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a lactose-free version.
• Vegan Breakfast Bake: Use plant-based egg replacer, swap dairy with coconut milk, and choose vegan bread to create a completely plant-based morning treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use whole wheat bread for a healthier breakfast option that's lower in calories and sugar.

Serving Up the Ultimate French Toast Casserole

• Sweet Morning Breakfast Pairing: Serve alongside crispy bacon strips or sausage links for a balanced sweet and savory combination.
• Fruity Fresh Topping: Sprinkle fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries over each serving to add bright, tangy flavor and extra nutrition.
• Decadent Cream Finish: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgent touch that elevates the entire breakfast experience.
• Elegant Presentation Style: Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving to create a beautiful, professional-looking breakfast dish that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Storing French Toast Casserole Leftovers

• Keep covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, preserving its delicious flavor and texture.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for maximum 2 months; label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat for 30-45 seconds until warm, stirring halfway through to ensure even temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, bake for 15-20 minutes until heated completely, then remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

FAQs

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

Day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread is ideal. These breads absorb the egg mixture better and create a more custardy texture without falling apart.

• Can I prepare this casserole the same day I want to serve it?

While overnight refrigeration is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can prepare it 4 hours in advance if you’re short on time. The longer it sits, the more the bread absorbs the custard mixture.

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

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, the edges are slightly crispy, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

• Is it possible to make this recipe without nuts?

Absolutely!

How To Make The Absolute Best French Toast Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Heavenly French Toast Casserole brings sweet morning magic straight from French culinary traditions. Creamy bread pudding layers meld perfectly with rich custard, creating a breakfast sensation you’ll crave weekend after weekend.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Sweeteners:

• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a generous layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Distribute bread cubes uniformly across the bottom of the dish, ensuring even coverage.
3. Create a rich custard mixture by combining eggs, milk, cream, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
4. Gently pour the custard over the bread cubes, making sure every piece is thoroughly saturated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to allow flavors to meld.
5. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while preheating the oven to 350°F.
6. Prepare the topping by blending melted butter with brown sugar, additional cinnamon, and chopped pecans to create a decadent crumble.
7. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly across the surface of the chilled casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set with a slight wobble. The edges should be crisp and the interior custardy.

Notes

• Choose day-old or slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly adaptation.
• Assemble the casserole the night before to let flavors meld and save morning cooking time, ensuring a more flavorful and cohesive dish.
• Try different nuts like walnuts or almonds, or add fresh berries on top for extra freshness and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg