Warm, comforting, and perfectly sweet, French Toast Casserole brings all the goodness of traditional French toast—without the need to stand over a hot griddle. It’s a fuss-free, family-friendly breakfast bake that’s ideal for weekend brunches, holidays, or any time you want to serve something special with minimal morning prep.
Why You’ll Love French Toast Casserole
This dish is more than just a breakfast—it’s a time-saver, a crowd-pleaser, and a guaranteed comfort food favorite. Here’s why:
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Feeds a Crowd: Easily serves 8–10 people, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Customizable: Add fruits, nuts, or flavorings to suit your taste.
- Minimal Effort: No flipping slices on the stove—just mix, pour, and bake.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread (day-old is best), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Topping:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- Maple syrup or fresh berries, for garnish
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): Overnight (or at least 1 hour)
- Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (or overnight + bake)
- Servings: 8–10
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and fill it with the cubed bread. For best results, use slightly stale bread so it can absorb more custard without getting soggy.
2. Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
3. Assemble
Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing the cubes gently so they soak up the liquid. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. If using nuts, sprinkle them over now.
4. Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This helps the flavors meld and gives the bread time to absorb the custard.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.
6. Serve
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 19g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
This casserole offers satisfying sweetness with the richness of a classic brunch—balanced enough for an indulgent start to your day.
Presentation and Serving Ideas
- Classic Brunch: Pair with crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs.
- Sweet Spread: Serve with fruit salad, whipped cream, and maple syrup.
- Holiday Special: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking and top with pomegranate seeds or sugared cranberries.
For elegant presentation, slice the casserole into neat squares and serve on individual plates with a drizzle of syrup and a few fresh berries on the side.
Variations to Try
- Berry French Toast Casserole: Layer in fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking.
- Apple Cinnamon: Sauté apples with brown sugar and cinnamon, then mix them into the casserole for a cozy fall version.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace ½ cup of the milk with pumpkin purée and add pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal spin.
Tips for Success
- Stale Bread Works Best: Fresh bread can make the casserole soggy. Let your loaf sit out overnight or toast cubes in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Press Gently: After pouring the custard, gently press down on the bread so it soaks in more liquid.
- Check for Doneness: The top should be golden, and the custard should be set—not jiggly. If it’s browning too fast, cover with foil and continue baking.
Why It Belongs in Your Recipe Box
French Toast Casserole is the kind of recipe you make once and keep coming back to. It’s cozy, adaptable, and perfect for everything from quiet weekends to bustling holidays. You can dress it up, make it ahead, or enjoy it plain—and it never fails to deliver warmth and comfort with every bite.