French Toast Casserole

I first made this French toast casserole one holiday morning when I had a house full of guests and no desire to stand flipping slices of bread one by one on the stove and I had some day-old brioche sitting on the counter and I figured it would soak up the custard beautifully so I cubed it tossed it in a creamy cinnamon mixture and baked it all together and the smell alone had everyone rushing to the kitchen. When I pulled it out and served it with warm maple syrup it was a hit and it’s been a holiday breakfast tradition ever since.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prep ahead and how indulgent it feels without a ton of effort and it’s the kind of dish that makes breakfast feel special even if it’s just a quiet weekend morning. It’s soft and custardy inside with golden edges and a sweet maple finish that makes every bite feel like a treat.

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Bread – Preferably day-old brioche or challah for the best texture and absorption.
• Eggs – Forms the rich custard base that soaks into the bread.
• Milk – Adds creaminess and softens the texture of the casserole.
• Heavy cream – Makes the custard extra luxurious.
• Brown sugar – Gives sweetness and a caramel-like depth.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the mix.
• Ground cinnamon – Brings that classic French toast spice.
• Butter – For greasing the dish and adding richness.
• Maple syrup – The perfect topping to pour over when serving.
• Salt – Balances and enhances the sweetness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – To whisk together the custard mixture smoothly.
• Whisk – For combining eggs, milk, and spices evenly.
• 9×13 baking dish – Great for layering the bread cubes and baking the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To measure ingredients accurately.
• Knife – To cube the bread neatly.
• Spatula – To spread and press down the bread for even soaking.
• Aluminum foil – To cover the dish while baking if needed.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bread

I start by cutting the bread into 1-inch cubes and I let them sit out for a few hours if they’re too fresh so they’ll soak up the custard better without getting soggy.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl I whisk together the eggs milk heavy cream brown sugar vanilla cinnamon and a pinch of salt until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

I grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter then I spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom and pour the custard mixture over the top making sure every piece gets soaked and I press down gently to help it absorb.

Step 4: Let It Soak

If I have time I cover the dish and let it chill in the fridge overnight but if I’m short on time I let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the bread can soak fully.

Step 5: Bake

I preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set and I check by inserting a knife in the middle – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once it’s done I let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and I always serve it warm with maple syrup drizzled over the top and sometimes a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries.

Tips

If you want to make it extra decadent I sometimes add a cream cheese swirl or a crumb topping before baking. You can use any bread but brioche or challah gives the best soft and rich texture. This recipe is perfect for make-ahead mornings – just assemble the night before and bake in the morning. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave too.

Ways to Serve

I love serving French toast casserole with fresh berries and a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a full breakfast spread. It’s also wonderful with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of fruit compote. For special occasions I even add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a splash of flavored syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make French toast casserole the night before?

Yes, it’s actually better if you do – it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and bake up perfectly in the morning.

What kind of bread works best for French toast casserole?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal since they’re slightly sturdy and soak up liquid well without turning mushy.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

Can I freeze French toast casserole?

Yes, freeze after baking and cool completely. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this French toast casserole a try! It’s the kind of breakfast that turns a simple morning into something a little more special and I’d love to hear how you top or tweak yours. Don’t forget to bookmark it for your next weekend brunch or holiday breakfast!

Happy Cooking!

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