Baked French Toast Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of classic French toast but without the fuss of cooking each piece individually. It’s made with thick slices of bread soaked in a rich, custardy mixture that bakes into a soft, golden, and slightly crispy dish. You’ll notice the warm cinnamon and vanilla notes that make it feel like a cozy morning treat.
I love making this casserole the night before because it gives the bread plenty of time to soak up all that custard goodness. When it comes out of the oven, the smell fills the house and makes breakfast something to really look forward to. It’s also a total crowd-pleaser, so I often bring it to holiday mornings or weekend brunches with friends and family.
My favorite way to serve it is with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of fresh berries. It’s easy to make ahead and feels special without any extra stress, which is why I keep this recipe on hand whenever I want a warm, comforting breakfast without spending hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Challah or Brioche Bread: These breads are perfect for soaking up the custard because they stay soft and slightly sweet. If you don’t have them, a good-quality white bread or even a sturdy sourdough works well. Just avoid super soft or thin slices.
Eggs & Dairy: Eggs create the custard base, giving the casserole its rich and creamy texture. Using whole milk and heavy cream adds extra richness, but you can swap heavy cream for more milk to lighten it up or use a non-dairy milk like oat or almond if needed.
Vanilla & Cinnamon: These spices add warmth and flavor to the custard. Feel free to adjust cinnamon levels or add a pinch of nutmeg for variety. Pure vanilla extract always makes a difference over imitation.
How Do You Get the Bread to Soak Up All That Custard Perfectly?
The secret is to give the bread enough time to absorb the custard fully. This step is key for a creamy inside and crispy outside:
- Cut your bread into cubes about 1 inch in size. Larger cubes hold their shape better during baking.
- After pouring the custard, press the bread gently to make sure it’s well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the casserole for at least one hour, but overnight is even better. This slow soaking helps the custard seep into every piece, making the inside deliciously soft.
- When baking, don’t rush it. Bake until the custard is set and the top turns a nice golden brown for that perfect texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and fitting in most ovens.
- Mixing bowl – big enough to whisk the custard mix without spilling.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs and milk smoothly for a creamy custard.
- Measuring cups and spoons – so you get your ingredients just right every time.
- Plastic wrap or foil – to cover the casserole while it soaks in the fridge.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for gently pressing the bread into the custard evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and nuttiness.
- Mix in 1 cup fresh or frozen berries for a burst of fruity sweetness.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top before baking for a sweeter twist.
- Use pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a cozy fall flavor.
How to Make Baked French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Casserole:
- 1 loaf of day-old challah or brioche bread (about 12 cups cubed)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill so the bread soaks in the custard well. Baking takes about 45-50 minutes. Planning ahead and soaking overnight in the fridge works great too!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use the butter to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Cut the bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the bottom of the greased dish.
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and combined.
4. Combine and Soak:
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Press down gently with a spatula or your hands so the bread soaks up the custard well.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
5. Bake:
Remove the casserole from the fridge and take off the cover. Bake in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the custard is fully set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Serve:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Dust lightly with powdered sugar. Serve warm, with plenty of maple syrup and fresh berries if you like.
Enjoy your warm, comforting baked French toast casserole — with a soft, custardy inside and a crunchy, golden crust!
Can I Use Stale Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! Day-old or slightly stale challah or brioche works best because it soaks up the custard without getting too soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out in a low oven for 10 minutes before cubing.
Can I Prepare the Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. This gives the bread plenty of time to absorb the custard, making it extra creamy inside.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
