Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing like waking up to the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. This Easy French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast dish that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat. With its custard-soaked bread, crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, and a drizzle of maple syrup, this casserole is ideal for brunch, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Prep: Minimal effort with maximum flavor—perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
2. Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
3. Customizable: Add fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to make it your own.
4. Feeds a Crowd: This casserole serves a group, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings or family meals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Cube the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Using slightly stale bread is ideal as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
2. Layer the Bread: Place the bread cubes evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Custard

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth.
2. Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sugars. Whisk until well combined.
3. Season the Custard: Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg for added warmth and depth of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the Custard: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
2. Press Down the Bread: Gently press the bread cubes into the custard to help them soak up the liquid.
3. Cover and Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the casserole.
3. Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. For a softer casserole, bake closer to 40 minutes; for a firmer texture, bake for 45 minutes or longer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let It Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
2. Add Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and garnish with fresh berries for a picture-perfect presentation.

Tips for Success

1. Use the Right Bread: Brioche, challah, or French bread are ideal for their soft texture and ability to soak up the custard. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread.
2. Make It Your Own: Add your favorite mix-ins like raisins, chocolate chips, or diced apples to customize the casserole.
3. Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Refrigerating the casserole allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, ensuring a creamy texture.
4. Test for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean or with very little custard when the casserole is done.

Variations

1. Berry Bliss
   • Add fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries between the bread layers.
2. Apple Cinnamon Delight
   • Layer thinly sliced apples and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for an autumn-inspired twist.
3. Chocolate Lover’s Dream
   • Mix in chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
4. Savory French Toast Bake
   • Omit the sugar and vanilla, and add cooked sausage, cheese, and herbs for a savory version.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Overnight Preparation: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the topping just before baking for the best texture.
• Freezing Option: Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• For a Crowd: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or fresh fruit for a complete brunch spread.
• On Special Occasions: Pair with mimosas or coffee for a festive holiday breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the regular milk and heavy cream, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the topping.

What if I don’t have time to refrigerate overnight?

You can let the casserole sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to soak up the custard, but the texture may not be as rich.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

This Easy French Toast Casserole combines the classic flavors of French toast with the ease of a one-dish meal. By soaking the bread in a rich, flavorful custard and adding a crunchy topping, you get the perfect balance of textures in every bite. Whether for a holiday breakfast or a weekend treat, this recipe is a guaranteed hit with family and friends.

Yield: 8

Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe

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There’s nothing like waking up to the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air. This Easy French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast dish that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat. With its custard-soaked bread, crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping, and a drizzle of maple syrup, this casserole is ideal for brunch, holidays, or lazy weekend mornings.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• For the Casserole
• 1 loaf brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• For the Streusel Topping
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

1. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Place the bread cubes into the prepared dish in an even layer.

2. Make the Custard

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt.
2. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is soaked.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

3. Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Store the streusel in the refrigerator until ready to use.

4. Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the top.
3. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired. Add fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Bread Choice: Brioche, challah, or a sturdy French baguette work best for this recipe. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively.

Overnight Prep: Refrigerating overnight allows the custard to fully saturate the bread for a creamy texture.

Customizable: Add raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to the bread for extra flavor.