French Toast Casserole a warm, comforting baked breakfast dish that combines the flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup-soaked bread. This Toast Casserole is perfect for serving a crowd, making it an excellent choice for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time I want a delicious and easy make-ahead meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
Make-Ahead Convenience – I can prepare it the night before, let the bread soak in the custard overnight, and simply bake it in the morning.
Perfect for Gatherings – Whether for a family breakfast or brunch with friends, this dish feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Warm and Cozy Flavors – The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup creates a comforting and aromatic dish.
Customizable – I can easily add nuts, fruit, or different types of bread for variety.
No Standing Over the Stove – Unlike traditional French toast, this casserole bakes in the oven, freeing me up to enjoy my morning.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup butter, melted
Maple syrup, for serving
Directions
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. I like to gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the bread to fully soak in the custard.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
If using pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the casserole. Drizzle the melted butter on top.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. I love serving it warm with maple syrup drizzled on top.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: 8
Variations
Fruit Twist – I like to add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or apple chunks before baking for a fruity touch.
Nut-Free Option – If I prefer no nuts, I simply skip the pecans.
Chocolate Lovers’ Version – A handful of chocolate chips mixed in adds a sweet twist.
Savory Version – I can swap the sugar for a little cheese and cooked bacon or sausage for a savory breakfast bake.
Different Breads – Brioche, challah, or even croissants make an extra rich and buttery casserole.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I can freeze individual portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To warm it up, I reheat slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
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FAQs
How can I prevent my French toast casserole from being soggy?
To avoid a soggy casserole, I make sure to use day-old bread, let it soak overnight, and bake until the center is fully set.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! I swap the whole milk and heavy cream for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter.
What’s the best bread to use for French toast casserole?
French bread, brioche, or challah work best because they soak up the custard without falling apart.
Can I prepare this the same day instead of overnight?
Yes, but I recommend letting it soak for at least 4 hours to ensure the bread absorbs enough custard.
How do I know when my casserole is done baking?
I check by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean and the top is golden brown, it’s ready!
Conclusion
This French Toast Casserole is a game-changer for breakfast and brunch. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with warm flavors. Whether I prepare it for a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning, it never fails to impress. A drizzle of maple syrup on top, and it’s pure breakfast perfection.
📖 Recipe:
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French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast bake with rich flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this easy make-ahead dish is ideal for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat. Made with simple ingredients like French bread, eggs, milk, and warm spices, it bakes to golden perfection—no standing over the stove required!
Ingredients
1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup butter, melted
Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish – Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside.
- Mix the Custard – In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Soak the Bread – Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure full absorption. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat & Assemble – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the casserole sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Sprinkle with pecans and drizzle melted butter on top.
- Bake – Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve – Let cool slightly before serving with a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Bread Choices: Brioche, challah, or croissants create a richer texture.
Variations: Add fruit, chocolate chips, or swap sugar for cheese & bacon for a savory twist.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds or warm in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
