How To Make The Absolute Best French Toast Casserole Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and vanilla baking in the oven on a cozy morning. This French Toast Casserole has that irresistible golden crust on top, soft custard-soaked bread beneath, and just the right amount of sweetness to feel indulgent without going overboard.

this Recipe

The first time I made this casserole was for a holiday brunch with my family. I needed something easy to prepare ahead of time but special enough to make everyone say “wow” — and this recipe delivered. Now it’s our go-to for weekend mornings, special occasions, and any time we need a warm, comforting breakfast.

Let’s talk about why you’ll want to make this a staple in your kitchen.

Why You'll Love This French Toast Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite breakfast bake. This French Toast Casserole brings all the cozy, comforting vibes of classic French toast with none of the hassle of flipping slices one by one.

First off, it's a total time-saver. You can prep it the night before, let it rest in the fridge, and simply pop it into the oven in the morning. That means less time standing over the stove and more time sipping coffee in your pajamas.

It’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’ve got family visiting for the holidays or you’re hosting brunch with friends, this casserole serves 8 to 10 people with ease — and everyone always goes back for seconds.

Budget-friendly? You bet. It’s a fantastic way to use up day-old bread, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. There’s no need for anything fancy, just good-quality basics that come together in the most delicious way.

And best of all, it's endlessly customizable. From adding fruit to swapping in different types of bread, you can make this casserole your own every time you bake it.

Now let’s break down the simple ingredients that make this casserole so special.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a specific role in building flavor and creating that perfect custardy texture underneath a crisp, golden topping.

Bread is the foundation of this dish, and not all loaves are created equal. For the best results, use something sturdy like brioche, challah, or French bread. These absorb the custard beautifully without turning to mush. Slightly stale bread is actually ideal here — it soaks up the liquid while maintaining some texture.

Eggs are the key to that rich, custard-like interior. You’ll need a generous amount to bind everything together and give the casserole its signature structure. Don’t worry — it won’t taste overly “eggy,” just smooth and delicious.

Milk and cream create a luxurious base for the custard. A mix of whole milk and heavy cream gives the best balance of richness and lightness. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can swap the cream for half-and-half, though the final result will be slightly less decadent.

Brown sugar and cinnamon add just the right touch of sweetness and warmth. The brown sugar caramelizes on top as it bakes, forming a lightly crispy crust that’s absolutely irresistible. A splash of vanilla extract ties everything together with that cozy, nostalgic aroma.

You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe — just a 9x13-inch baking dish, a mixing bowl, and a whisk. If you’re prepping ahead, plastic wrap or a fitted lid will help store the casserole in the fridge overnight.

How To Make This French Toast Casserole

Making this casserole couldn’t be easier, and the payoff is huge — rich, golden, sweet, and perfectly spiced. Here’s how it comes together, step by step.

Start by preparing your bread. Cut it into 1-inch cubes, then spread them evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Make sure the pieces aren’t too tightly packed so the custard can soak in between the cracks.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended — you want the sugar fully dissolved and the spices evenly dispersed.

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down with a spatula to make sure everything gets soaked. If you’re prepping this the night before, cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator. Letting it rest overnight deepens the flavor and improves the texture.

When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. If your casserole has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven heats up. This helps it bake more evenly.

Bake the casserole uncovered for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still soft. The edges should be slightly crisp, while the middle stays tender and custardy.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up slightly and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for the ultimate breakfast treat.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover the dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or sealed in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to two months.

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 45-60 seconds or warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. If it’s frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Whether you're making it ahead for busy mornings or saving leftovers for an easy breakfast later in the week, this casserole is as convenient as it is comforting.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this casserole is how flexible it is. Once you’ve got the base recipe down, you can start experimenting with fun twists to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

If you want a fruitier version, try folding in fresh or frozen berries before baking. Blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples work beautifully and add a burst of flavor in every bite.

For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. You could even mix them into the bread layer for added texture throughout.

Looking for a more indulgent twist? Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese, either cubed and scattered between the bread layers or whipped into the custard. It adds a subtle tang and richness that takes things to the next level.

Prefer dairy-free? Swap the milk and cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream, and use a non-dairy butter or cooking spray to grease the dish.

Craving something more savory? Omit the sugar and cinnamon, add shredded cheese, cooked sausage or bacon, and a handful of chopped herbs. It turns this into a whole new kind of breakfast bake.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Whether you're changing the flavor, adjusting for dietary needs, or just having fun in the kitchen, this casserole is the perfect blank canvas.

Print