Irresistible French Toast Casserole

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Weekend mornings in my home are for slow sipping coffee and indulging in something warm and comforting from the oven. One of my favorite go-to dishes is this Irresistible French Toast Casserole. It’s like everything you love about traditional French toast—crispy edges, fluffy center, cinnamon-kissed sweetness—but baked together into one cozy, pull-apart casserole that feeds a crowd effortlessly.

What I love most is how it combines ease with decadence. I can prep everything the night before and wake up to a dish that just needs to be popped in the oven. It’s perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or those lazy Sundays when you want to treat yourself without spending all morning at the stove.

---

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible French Toast Casserole

This casserole is everything: soft on the inside, golden and crispy on top, and packed with a rich cinnamon-sugar flavor that hits all the right nostalgic notes. It requires minimal morning effort, and you can easily make it ahead of time. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry staples you probably already have. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself with leftovers throughout the week.

---

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

For the best texture, I recommend using thick-cut, day-old bread like brioche, challah, or French bread. These varieties soak up the custard beautifully without turning mushy. Avoid soft sandwich breads, as they tend to fall apart too easily and won’t give you that satisfying bite.

---

Options for Substitutions

Want to switch it up a bit? You’ve got options! Swap out the dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk to make it dairy-free. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. If you’re feeling indulgent, a few chocolate chips or berries sprinkled in can take it to another level. And for a richer custard, replace some of the milk with heavy cream.

---

Ingredients for this Irresistible French Toast Casserole

Brioche or Challah Bread – These rich, buttery breads absorb the custard beautifully while maintaining structure and a soft bite.

Eggs – The base of the custard; they help bind everything together and give the casserole its creamy interior.

Milk – Adds moisture and creaminess to the custard. Whole milk works best for richness.

Heavy Cream – Enhances the custard’s richness and gives a luscious, velvety texture.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the custard base without overpowering the flavor.

Brown Sugar – Adds depth and a touch of molasses flavor, especially delicious in the cinnamon topping.

Cinnamon – Brings warmth and classic French toast flavor.

Vanilla Extract – Boosts the flavor with a subtle floral sweetness.

Butter – Melted over the topping, it creates those irresistible golden-brown, crispy bites.

Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.

---

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cut the brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out. This helps the bread absorb the custard better without getting soggy.

---

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

---

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down slightly so the bread soaks up the liquid. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for best results.

---

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread before baking. This will create a deliciously crisp, caramelized crust.

---

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through.

---

Step 6: Serve Warm

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for an extra special touch.

---

How Long to Prepare the Irresistible French Toast Casserole

Prep Time: If you’re prepping this casserole the morning of, you’ll need about 20 minutes to cube the bread, whisk together the custard, and assemble everything. Add another 30 minutes for the bread to soak before baking. However, for best results, I recommend assembling it the night before and letting it rest in the fridge overnight.

Bake Time: It takes around 40–45 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). The top should be beautifully golden and crisp, while the inside is soft and set. After baking, give it about 10 minutes to cool slightly before serving.

---

Tips for Perfect Irresistible French Toast Casserole

• Use slightly stale bread for best custard absorption.
• Let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight.
• Use a mix of whole milk and cream for a custard that’s both rich and tender.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping just before baking for maximum crunch.
• Add a bit of nutmeg or orange zest for a fragrant twist.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using fresh bread: It can turn the casserole mushy. Dry or day-old bread is a must.
• Skipping the soak time: The bread needs time to absorb the custard.
• Overbaking: This can dry out the casserole. Keep an eye on it and cover with foil if browning too fast.
• Uneven custard distribution: Pour evenly and press down lightly to ensure every cube gets soaked.
• Forgetting to grease the dish: The sugars will stick badly without a greased pan.

---

What to Serve With Irresistible French Toast Casserole?

Fresh Fruit Salad

A light, juicy fruit salad helps balance the richness of the casserole and adds a refreshing contrast.

Crispy Bacon or Sausage

Savory breakfast meats add a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweet flavors.

Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Layered with granola and berries, these bring a creamy and tangy element to your brunch spread.

Scrambled Eggs

Simple, fluffy eggs make a great protein-packed side that keeps the meal balanced.

Maple Syrup or Whipped Cream

Add-ins like warm maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a berry compote elevate the indulgence.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 10 servings)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 8g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this French toast casserole the night before?

Yes! It’s actually better when prepared the night before and baked in the morning. The bread has more time to absorb the custard.

What’s the best type of bread to use?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are all great choices. Day-old or slightly stale bread works best.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy) and a dairy-free butter substitute. Skip the heavy cream or use coconut cream.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden brown and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean (or mostly set). If it’s too jiggly, give it more time.

Can I freeze the baked casserole?

Yes. Let it cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

---

Conclusion

This Irresistible French Toast Casserole is exactly what cozy weekend mornings are made for. It’s warm, rich, satisfying, and completely make-ahead friendly—perfect for busy mornings or holiday brunches. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just craving a sweet start to the day, this dish brings comfort and joy with every bite.

---

Print