How To Make The Absolute Best French Toast Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery bread baking in the oven. This French Toast Casserole takes all the best parts of classic French toast and turns it into a decadent, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or lazy weekends.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for a way to use up day-old bread, and it quickly became a family favorite. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it can also be made ahead of time, making breakfast a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This French Toast Casserole

This French Toast Casserole is about to become your new go-to breakfast bake. Here’s why:

First, it’s incredibly easy to put together. Unlike traditional French toast, there’s no need to stand over the stove flipping individual slices. Just layer the ingredients, pour over the custard, and bake.

Second, it’s perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything the night before and let the bread soak up all that delicious flavor overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and enjoy!

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the flavors, add-ins, and toppings to suit your taste. Whether you prefer fresh berries, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup, this casserole can be customized to your liking.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting brunch or feeding a hungry family, this dish is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this French Toast Casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of texture and taste.

Bread is the foundation of this dish. A sturdy loaf like brioche, challah, or French bread works best, as it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal for better absorption.

Eggs and Milk create the rich custard that binds everything together. I recommend using whole milk or a mix of milk and heavy cream for an extra luxurious texture.

Sugar and Spices bring warmth and sweetness to the casserole. A mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract enhances the cozy, comforting flavors.

Butter adds a delicious richness and helps to create a slightly crispy, golden-brown top. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference.

Optional Add-ins like chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips can take this dish to the next level. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors!

How to Make This French Toast Casserole

Making this French Toast Casserole is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for the best results:

Start by greasing a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Then, cut your bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly in the dish.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This forms the custard that soaks into the bread, giving it that signature French toast flavor.

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to gently press down, ensuring every piece gets coated. If you’re making this ahead, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you refrigerated the casserole overnight, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and custardy. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or add fresh berries for an extra special touch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this French Toast Casserole stores beautifully!

Let the casserole cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a quick breakfast or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to regain some crispiness.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some delicious variations:

• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole – Add swirls of cream cheese glaze and extra cinnamon sugar for a decadent twist.
• Berry Bliss Version – Toss in fresh or frozen berries before baking for a burst of fruity flavor.
• Nutty Caramel Delight – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts and drizzle caramel sauce on top for extra crunch and sweetness.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream – Mix in chocolate chips or a swirl of Nutella for a dessert-inspired treat.
• Dairy-Free Option – Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for regular milk and use dairy-free butter.

No matter how you make it, this French Toast Casserole is sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy!

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