French Toast Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for a lazy weekend morning, a holiday brunch, or any occasion when you want something hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare. This dish takes the classic flavors of French toast—crispy golden edges, soft custardy interior, and that irresistible hint of cinnamon and vanilla—and transforms it into a simple, make-ahead casserole that serves a crowd. If you’re looking for a warm, cozy breakfast that requires minimal effort, this casserole is your new best friend. Perfect for healthy comfort food, this recipe is the kind of dish that will leave everyone at the table satisfied and happy.
What’s great about this casserole is how it blends the best of both worlds: indulgent and comforting, yet quick enough for a busy morning. And the best part? You can assemble it the night before and bake it the next morning, making it ideal for easy weeknight dinners, brunch parties, or even just a quick family meal. It’s packed with flavor, and the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can add all kinds of delicious ingredients to customize it—whether it’s fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or even a savory twist. With its crispy top and custardy middle, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for a Crowd: This casserole serves 8 people, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a weekend get-together, you’ll have everyone covered with one dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: One of the best parts about this French Toast Breakfast Casserole is how easy it is to prep ahead. You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning. No need to stand at the stove flipping French toast!
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like fresh berries, chopped nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a little sweetness. You can easily make it your own!
- Comforting and Delicious: It’s everything you love about French toast but with less effort. Soft, pillowy bread soaked in a rich custard, topped with a golden, slightly crispy crust. Healthy comfort food at its finest!
- All-in-One Meal: This casserole combines all the best breakfast elements—carbs, protein, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a complete meal in every bite!
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What really sets this French Toast Breakfast Casserole apart is how easy it is to make. It’s a no-fuss recipe that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours on it. The custard is rich and creamy thanks to the combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and eggs, while the bread soaks up all that goodness without getting soggy. The spices—cinnamon and a touch of vanilla—add just the right amount of warmth and sweetness. And let’s not forget about that golden crust that forms on top. It’s the perfect contrast to the soft, tender interior of the casserole.
This is also the perfect recipe for anyone on a protein meal plan or looking for high-protein meals. The eggs and milk provide a good amount of protein, while the bread gives you a satisfying serving of carbs. You can even customize it with nuts, fruit, or other protein-packed ingredients to make it a more balanced meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) French bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter for greasing the baking dish
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or chopped nuts
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Making French Toast Breakfast Casserole is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Grease the Baking Dish: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cube the Bread: Slice your French bread into 1-inch cubes and arrange them evenly in the greased baking dish. You can use day-old bread for the best results, as it soaks up the custard better without getting too soggy.
- Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the sugars have dissolved and the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour Over the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread. Use your hands or a spatula to gently press down the bread, helping it soak up the custard. Be sure to get all the bread pieces evenly coated.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard and ensures a richer flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Then, place it in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes. The casserole should be golden brown on top, and the center should be set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Top it with your favorite toppings—whether that’s a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a handful of fresh berries.
Tips for Best Results
- Use Day-Old Bread: The best bread for French Toast Casserole is slightly stale. Day-old French bread, brioche, or challah works perfectly because it holds up to the custard without getting soggy.
- Let It Soak: For the best texture, let the casserole soak for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal. This ensures the bread fully absorbs the custard, giving you a rich, creamy result.
- Don’t Skip the Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor to the casserole. Don’t skimp on it! A little nutmeg is also a great addition if you like a more spiced flavor.
- Top it Right: Toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or even whipped cream make the casserole extra special. Add a handful of chopped nuts for crunch or some chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Check for Doneness: To check if your casserole is done, insert a knife in the center—it should come out clean when it’s ready.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
This casserole is super versatile and can be customized based on your preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Fruit-Filled: Add sliced bananas, berries, or apples between the bread cubes for a fruity twist. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top of the fruit for added sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: If you love nuts, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. They’ll toast up beautifully and add a nice crunch.
- Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and add savory ingredients like cooked sausage or ham, and top with shredded cheese for a delicious breakfast casserole.
- Dairy-Free: If you need a dairy-free version, simply swap the milk and cream for plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative as well.
Serving Suggestions
French Toast Breakfast Casserole is perfect on its own, but you can serve it alongside a few tasty sides to complete your breakfast or brunch spread:
- Fresh Fruit: A bowl of mixed berries or fresh citrus slices adds a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the casserole.
- Bacon or Sausage: For a more substantial meal, serve the casserole with crispy bacon or savory sausage.
- Hot Beverages: Pair this casserole with a hot cup of coffee, a latte, or freshly brewed tea for a cozy, indulgent morning.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an extra treat, top your casserole with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like experience.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
If you’re making French Toast Breakfast Casserole for a special occasion, consider pairing it with these:
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of rich, golden maple syrup is the perfect complement to the sweet and cinnamon-spiced casserole.
- Milk or Smoothies: A cold glass of milk or a refreshing smoothie pairs wonderfully with this hearty breakfast dish.
- Scrambled Eggs: If you want to round out the meal, serve some soft scrambled eggs on the side. It’s an extra source of protein to complement the casserole.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This casserole is great for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat leftovers:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make-Ahead: This casserole is perfect for prepping the night before. Just assemble it, refrigerate, and bake the next morning.
- Freezing: You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. If freezing after baking, store it in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Fresh Bread: Fresh bread doesn’t soak up the custard as well as day-old bread, so make sure your bread is slightly stale for the best results.
- Not Letting It Soak Long Enough: Don’t rush the soaking process. The longer the bread sits in the custard, the richer and more flavorful the casserole will be.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. If it’s overbaked, it can dry out. The center should be set but still soft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal for prepping the night before. Just refrigerate overnight and bake in the morning. - Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, almond, soy, or oat milk works well, but the texture may be slightly different. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
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French Toast Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (14–16 oz) French bread, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- butter for greasing baking dish
- optional powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cube the French bread into 1-inch pieces and arrange them evenly in the baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to help it soak in the custard.
- Cover and refrigerate the casserole for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats.
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving with your favorite toppings such as powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, or chopped nuts.
