Name: French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed; 6 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp melted butter; Powdered sugar, for topping; Maple syrup, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

French Toast Casserole became my go-to recipe the first time I hosted a holiday brunch and wanted something warm, cozy, and hands-off. I didn’t want to stand at the stove flipping slices, so I cut up a loaf of bread, soaked it in a sweet custard, and baked it all together. What came out was golden and puffy and covered in powdered sugar—and everyone went back for seconds.

I’ve made this French Toast Casserole so many times since because it’s easy to prep ahead and it fills the house with the most comforting aroma and whether I’m feeding guests or just making a special breakfast for my family and it always brings that feel-good bakery vibe right into my kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Bread cubes – The base of the casserole that soaks up the rich custard
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and create that soft, fluffy texture
Milk – Adds creaminess and helps form the custard
Heavy cream – Makes it extra rich and velvety
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the casserole evenly
Brown sugar – Adds a warm, caramel-like depth to the custard
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall sweetness
Ground cinnamon – The classic cozy flavor for any French toast
Salt – Balances and sharpens all the sweet elements
Butter – Adds richness and helps crisp the edges
Powdered sugar – For a soft, snowy finish on top
Maple syrup – Optional, but perfect for drizzling

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls – For preparing the custard
Whisk – To blend the eggs and milk mixture smoothly
9×13 baking dish – Great size for family portions
Spatula or spoon – To mix and press the bread into the custard
Measuring cups and spoons – Helps get the right custard ratio
Oven – Bakes the casserole to golden perfection
Sifter – For dusting powdered sugar neatly on top

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13 baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2:

I cut a loaf of day-old bread into cubes and scatter them evenly in the prepared dish.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 4:

I pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing them down lightly so they absorb the liquid.

Step 5:

If I’m making this ahead, I cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight. If baking immediately, I let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soak.

Step 6:

Before baking, I drizzle melted butter over the top for that golden finish.

Step 7:

I bake the casserole for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Step 8:

Once it’s out of the oven, I let it cool slightly before dusting it with powdered sugar and serving it warm with maple syrup.

Tips

If I want extra crunch, I sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the top before baking. You can also add a layer of cream cheese or fruit like blueberries or sliced bananas for a twist. For a less sweet version, I sometimes reduce the sugar and skip the powdered topping.

Ways to Serve

French Toast Casserole is amazing on its own, but I like to serve it with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausage on the side. For special occasions, I top it with whipped cream and fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.

What type of bread is best for French Toast Casserole?

Brioche, challah, or French bread all work great—just make sure it’s slightly stale for best texture.

How do I store leftovers of French Toast Casserole?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this French Toast Casserole a try! It’s one of my favorites, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Feel free to leave a comment below or share your results with me! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it to your favorite brunch or holiday breakfast board.

Happy Cooking!