Baked French Toast Casserole
Baked French toast casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast that feels indulgent but is super simple to prepare. With layers of soft bread soaked in a sweet, spiced custard and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumble, it’s a cozy favorite for holidays, brunches, or lazy weekends.
Ingredients List
For the Casserole:
1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
8 large eggs
2 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
Optional for Serving:
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the bread cubes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to make sure all pieces are soaked.
Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the butter until crumbly.
Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread.
Step 7: Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 8: Let cool slightly and serve warm with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes (including chill time)
Servings
Makes 8–10 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 360
Carbs: 42g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 17g
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with bacon, sausage, or a fruit salad for a complete breakfast.
Top with pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Seasonal Relevance
Ideal for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or any cozy fall or winter morning when you want to treat yourself or guests.
Conclusion
This baked French toast casserole is everything you want in a breakfast—warm, fluffy, and full of cinnamon-spiced comfort. Whether you make it ahead or bake it fresh, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to love and even easier to make.
Baked French Toast Casserole
Course: Uncategorized8–10
servings15
minutes50
minutes360
kcalThis cozy and comforting baked French toast casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays, weekends, or brunch gatherings. Soft bread cubes soak overnight in a cinnamon-spiced custard and bake into a golden, fluffy, and slightly crisp-topped casserole. Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
8 large eggs
2 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
Optional for Serving:
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries
Directions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the bread cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to soak all pieces.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt; cut in butter until crumbly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and sprinkle topping evenly over soaked bread.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm with maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use slightly stale or day-old bread for better texture
Soak the casserole overnight or for at least 30 minutes before baking
Add-ins like berries, nuts, or chocolate chips can be mixed in
Can be assembled ahead and reheated when ready to serve
Best served warm with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar on top
Let me know if you’d like these shortened further or styled differently!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, brioche, challah, or sourdough work great and add even more flavor and texture.
Q2: Can I make it without refrigerating overnight?
Yes, but for best results, let it soak at least 30 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a plant-based milk and cream alternative, and dairy-free butter for the topping.
