French Toast Recipe Casserole – Easy, Delicious & Perfect for Brunch
Looking for a breakfast that’s comforting, indulgent, and perfect for sharing? This french toast recipe casserole is the ultimate make-ahead dish for weekends, holidays, or special mornings. Instead of making individual slices of French toast on the stovetop, this casserole brings all the flavors—custardy bread, warm cinnamon, and buttery sweetness—into one big, oven-baked dish.
The best part? You can prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and simply bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family brunches, potlucks, or even dessert!
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 14–16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, makes it extra creamy)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Maple syrup
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare the bread – Cut brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes and place into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the custard – In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Soak the bread – Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing lightly so every piece absorbs the liquid. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prepare topping – Mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole just before baking.
- Bake – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool & serve – Let it cool for 5 minutes, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with berries and maple syrup.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ chilling time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chill if desired)
- Serving Size: 8–10
Tips & Variations
- Overnight prep: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a fuss-free breakfast.
- Add fruit: Layer fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, or apples between the bread cubes for extra flavor.
- Caramel version: Swap topping with caramel sauce for a dessert-style French toast.
- Savory twist: Skip the sugar and add ham, cheese, and herbs for a savory breakfast casserole.
- Crispy topping: Add crushed cornflakes or granola to the topping for extra crunch.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Sugar: Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener instead of white sugar.
- Dairy-Free: Replace milk and cream with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free brioche or sandwich bread.
- Low-Fat: Use skim milk and reduce butter for a lighter version.
- Keto-Friendly: Use low-carb bread and erythritol as a sweetener substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this french toast recipe casserole warm, topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s perfect for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or a cozy weekend breakfast with the family.
This dish combines convenience and indulgence, making it one of the best breakfast casseroles you’ll ever bake. Once you try it, it’ll become a household favorite!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make French toast casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake in the morning.
Q2: Can I freeze French toast casserole?
Yes, freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Q3: What bread works best?
Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal because they’re sturdy and soak up custard well.
Q4: Can I make it without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply skip the nuts in the topping or replace them with granola.
Q5: How do I prevent soggy casserole?
Make sure bread is slightly stale or toasted before soaking—it helps absorb custard without turning mushy.
