If you love classic French toast but want an easy, no-fuss way to serve it to a crowd, this French Toast Casserole is the perfect solution! It features a soft, custard-soaked center with a crispy cinnamon-sugar topping, making it a delicious, comforting breakfast for any occasion.
This overnight casserole is ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or meal prep—simply prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a warm, sweet, and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Casserole
✅ Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast – Prep it overnight for a stress-free morning.
✅ Soft & Custardy Inside, Crisp Outside – A perfect texture contrast.
✅ Easy to Make for a Crowd – Bakes in one dish, no flipping required!
✅ Customizable – Add nuts, fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
✅ Great for Using Leftover Bread – No waste, just deliciousness!
What Makes This Casserole So Good?
🥖 Day-Old French Bread – Soaks up the custard without getting soggy.
🥚 Rich Egg Custard – A silky mix of milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
🧈 Crispy Cinnamon-Sugar Topping – A buttery, caramelized finish.
🔥 Baked to Perfection – No stovetop flipping—just bake and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple ingredient list creates an unbelievably rich and comforting casserole:
For the French Toast Base
- 1 loaf day-old French bread – Cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups).
- 6 large eggs – The base of the custard.
- 2 ¼ cups milk – Whole milk is best for a rich texture.
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or light brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Classic warm spice.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
For the Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar or maple syrup – For caramelized sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Extra warmth and spice.
💡 Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom!
How to Make French Toast Casserole
This foolproof one-pan recipe comes together in just a few steps!
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread the bread cubes in an even layer in the dish.
💡 Day-old bread works best because it absorbs more custard!
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to help absorption.
💡 For extra sweetness, sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar over the custard!
Step 3: Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- Cinnamon
- Drizzle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
💡 For a crunchy finish, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top!
Step 4: Let It Rest (Overnight or 30 Minutes)
- Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.
- If short on time, chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
💡 Overnight chilling allows the bread to fully absorb the custard for a richer texture!
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for 15-25 minutes more, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
💡 For an extra-crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end!
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
💡 For a gourmet touch, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with caramel!
French Toast Casserole Variations
🍫 Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole – Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips.
🍏 Apple Cinnamon Version – Add sautéed apples and extra cinnamon.
🥥 Coconut Almond Twist – Sprinkle with shredded coconut and sliced almonds.
🎃 Pumpkin Spice Version – Add ¼ cup pumpkin purée + ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice.
🫐 Berry French Toast Bake – Toss in blueberries or raspberries before baking.
💡 For a fall-inspired twist, add a drizzle of maple glaze!
What to Serve with French Toast Casserole
🥓 Crispy Bacon or Sausage – A savory contrast to the sweet casserole.
🍓 Fresh Berries – Adds a refreshing, juicy touch.
☕ Hot Coffee or Chai Latte – Perfect for a cozy breakfast.
🥑 Savory Scrambled Eggs – Balances the sweetness with protein.
💡 Pair with mimosas or fresh orange juice for a perfect brunch spread!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
🥡 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freeze: Wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
💡 For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness!
FAQs About French Toast Casserole
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Yes! Brioche, challah, or ciabatta work best. Regular sandwich bread can be too soft.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
A: Use day-old bread, don’t over-soak, and bake uncovered for the last 15-25 minutes.
Q: Can I prepare this last-minute?
A: Yes! Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Final Thoughts
This French Toast Casserole is sweet, comforting, and easy to make ahead, making it the perfect holiday or weekend breakfast. Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping, or just craving a warm and cozy morning treat, this recipe is sure to be a new favorite!
Try this simple, delicious casserole today, and enjoy a stress-free, flavor-packed breakfast! 🍞✨
Short version
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old French bread challah, brioche, or ciabatta, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups milk whole milk used; almond milk also works well
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar or pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes in an even layer in the dish.
- In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar), ½ teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup), and cinnamon. Drizzle evenly over the casserole.
- At this point, you can refrigerate the casserole overnight (covered) and bake in the morning, or let it rest for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before baking.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15-25 minutes more, until the top is lightly browned and the casserole is set.
- Serve warm with fresh fruit and maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
