Baked French Toast Casserole

Discovering a warm, comforting breakfast that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious is always a win. This Baked French Toast Casserole hits that mark perfectly. Using day-old bread soaked in a rich custard, it bakes up into a golden, tender dish with just the right hint of cinnamon and sweetness. Whether I’m serving it on a relaxed weekend morning or bringing it out for a holiday brunch, it’s always a crowd-pleaser that invites second helpings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this baked French toast casserole because it combines convenience with fantastic flavor. Using day-old bread means less waste and more texture, while the custard soaks the bread just right for a creamy, custardy inside and a crisp, caramelized top. The maple syrup or brown sugar topping adds a perfect sweet touch without being overpowering. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making mornings less hectic. It’s a comforting, classic dish that always feels special but is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 loaf of day-old French bread, whole wheat, brioche, challah, or ciabatta

6 large eggs

2 ¼ cups milk (whole milk preferred)

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or light brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

Topping:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons light brown sugar or pure maple syrup

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place the bread cubes evenly in the dish.

Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup (or brown sugar), cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until fully combined. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, making sure all the bread soaks up the mixture.

Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar (or maple syrup), and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the casserole.

Refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the bread soak. For best flavor, refrigerate overnight.

Bake: Remove the casserole from the fridge and keep the oven at 350°F. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-20 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 8 people. The active preparation time is roughly 15 minutes, with a minimum of 20 minutes for soaking in the fridge (or overnight if preferred). Baking takes about 45-55 minutes total.

Variations

I like to experiment with this casserole by swapping bread types — brioche for richness or challah for a slightly sweet touch. Adding fresh or frozen berries to the custard before baking adds a fruity twist. Sometimes, I sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk works well in place of whole milk. You could also spice it up by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon.

Storage/Reheating

After baking, I let the casserole cool completely and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover individual portions with foil and warm them in the oven at 325°F for about 15 minutes until heated through. It also reheats well in the microwave, though the texture is best preserved with oven reheating.

Related Recipes:

• French Toast Casserole
• Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
• Best French Toast Ever

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

I recommend using day-old bread because it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy. Fresh bread tends to fall apart during soaking, so if I only have fresh bread, I toast it lightly first.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! I substitute gluten-free bread varieties like gluten-free challah or brioche. The soaking and baking process remain the same.

How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?

I often prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This soaking time really enhances the flavor and texture.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. I freeze leftover portions in airtight containers and thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

What can I serve with this casserole?

I like serving it with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. It also pairs well with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast.

Conclusion

This Baked French Toast Casserole is a staple I return to time and again because it’s simple, flexible, and utterly delicious. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy breakfast, it never disappoints. The balance of creamy custard, tender bread, and sweet cinnamon topping makes it a comforting dish that feels both special and familiar. Give it a try—you might find it becomes one of your favorite breakfast traditions too.