Baked French Toast Casserole is a sweet breakfast treat that’s perfect for a cozy morning or a special weekend brunch. It’s made with thick slices of bread soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla, all baked together until it’s golden and slightly crispy on the edges. The top usually gets a nice crunchy texture from a sprinkle of sugar or streusel that melts into the custardy bread underneath.
I love making this casserole because it’s so easy to prepare the night before and pop into the oven in the morning. It saves time and fills the house with the smell of warm cinnamon and vanilla, which feels like a big, comforting hug. Sometimes I add fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup on top to make it even more special, and my family always asks for seconds.
It’s one of those dishes that makes mornings feel festive without much effort. I like serving it with a side of crispy bacon or fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a lazy Sunday breakfast, this baked French toast casserole always brings smiles and full bellies to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah gives a rich, soft texture and soaks up the custard well. If you don’t have these, use thick white bread or even a sturdy sourdough. Day-old bread works best because it holds the custard without getting mushy.
Eggs & Dairy: Eggs create the custard base. Whole milk and heavy cream add creaminess. If you want a lighter version, swap heavy cream for more milk or use a milk alternative like almond or oat milk—but skip heavy cream then to keep the texture right.
Vanilla & Cinnamon: These add warm, sweet flavors. Don’t skip the cinnamon—it gives that classic French toast taste. If you like, swap cinnamon for nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
Butter: Melted butter enriches the custard and helps the top get golden brown. You can use salted butter but reduce added salt slightly in the custard.
How Can I Get the Perfect Custardy Texture Without Soggy Bread?
The key is soaking and baking time. Here’s my approach:
- Cut bread into cubes and spread evenly in the dish.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, then gently press down to soak all pieces well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. This allows the custard to soak fully into the bread so the inside stays soft but not wet.
- Bring the dish to room temperature before baking to help it cook evenly.
- Bake uncovered so the top crisps up while the inside sets.
- Watch the baking time in the last minutes; the center should be set but still moist, never dry.
With patience and these steps, you’ll get a creamy inside with a nice crust outside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to hold all the bread and custard for even cooking.
- Large mixing bowl – gives you plenty of room to whisk the eggs and milk mixture smoothly.
- Whisk – helps blend the custard ingredients well and avoid lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, especially spices and liquids.
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil – to cover the casserole when soaking in the fridge overnight.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch on top before baking.
- Mix in fresh or frozen berries (blueberries or raspberries) into the custard for fruity bursts.
- Stir in a tablespoon of orange zest or a splash of orange juice for a bright, citrus twist.
- Swap cinnamon for a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a cozy fall flavor.
Baked French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (about 10-12 slices), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), optional garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus 1 hour (or overnight) soaking time in the fridge. Baking time is about 45-55 minutes. So, plan about 2 hours total if soaking for 1 hour, or prep the night before for a hassle-free morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Soak the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until smooth. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently so all the bread soaks it up. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Bake the Casserole:
Take the casserole out of the fridge about 15 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the custard in the center is set but still soft. The edges should be slightly crispy.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool just a bit. Dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries if you like. Drizzle with warm maple syrup before serving. This casserole is best enjoyed warm, sharing with family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen bread works great—just let it thaw completely before cubing and soaking it in the custard. Using day-old or slightly stale bread also helps the cubes absorb the custard better without falling apart.
Can I Prepare the Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! In fact, soaking the bread overnight in the fridge helps deepen the flavors and improves the texture. Just cover it well with plastic wrap or foil and bake it fresh the next morning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help keep it moist.
Can I Add Fruit or Nuts to the Casserole?
Definitely! Fresh or frozen berries mixed into the custard are delicious, as are chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking. Just be mindful not to add too much liquid if using frozen fruit, and thaw it first if possible.
