French Toast Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Toast Casserole is the ultimate cozy breakfast or brunch dish. With its crispy golden top and soft, custardy interior, it’s perfect for family mornings or holiday gatherings. This recipe is also make-ahead friendly, so you can prep it the night before and bake fresh in the morning. Sweet, comforting, and full of cinnamon flavor, it’s sure to become a weekend favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 loaf of challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
Optional Topping: ½ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ cup chopped pecans
Optional Add-ins: Blueberries, cream cheese swirls, or sliced strawberries

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Bread: Place cubed bread into the prepared baking dish.
Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently to ensure all bread absorbs the liquid.
Add Topping: If using, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans and sprinkle evenly on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Cool Slightly & Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Optional: drizzle with maple syrup.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Texture

Use slightly stale bread; it absorbs the custard better.
For extra richness, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
To make ahead: assemble the casserole the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.

Variations & Add-Ins

Fruity: Add blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples for natural sweetness.
Nutty: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Cheesy: Add cream cheese swirls for a richer texture.
Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F until warm.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to retain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make French Toast Casserole the night before?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.

What kind of bread works best for French Toast Casserole?
Challah, brioche, or any slightly stale bread works well to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze French Toast Casserole?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat it without drying it out?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for individual portions.

Irresistible French Toast Casserole