Baked French Toast Casserole is a warm and cozy breakfast treat that everyone loves. It’s made with thick slices of bread soaked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard, then baked until golden and bubbly on top. The soft, custardy center combined with the slightly crispy edges makes every bite feel like a comforting hug.
I love making this casserole the night before a special weekend morning because it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time. Just put it in the fridge overnight, and in the morning, pop it in the oven while you get yourself ready. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla filling the house is one of my favorite wake-up calls!
My favorite way to serve this is with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, maybe even a handful of fresh berries if I have them. It’s a perfect dish to share with family or friends because it’s big, filling, and everyone can dig in together. Plus, it’s a great way to make breakfast feel a little extra special without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Bread or Brioche: I recommend using slightly stale or day-old bread so it soaks up the custard better without becoming mushy. Brioche adds extra richness and sweetness. If you can’t find either, challah or any thick, firm bread works nicely.
Eggs: Eggs hold everything together and create that custardy texture. Large eggs are best here. If you want a lighter version, try using fewer yolks or add a splash of egg whites.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Whole milk keeps the custard creamy, and a bit of heavy cream adds extra indulgence. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk or your favorite nut milk instead.
Cinnamon & Vanilla: These give the casserole its warm, comforting flavor. Ground cinnamon can be swapped for pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a twist. Pure vanilla extract is key for the best aroma, but vanilla bean paste works too.
Butter: Dotting butter on top helps create a golden, crispy crust. You can use salted butter if that’s what you have, just skip adding extra salt elsewhere.
How Do You Get the Perfect Custard Texture Without Soggy Bread?
The secret is soaking the bread long enough so it absorbs the liquid but doesn’t fall apart. Here’s how to do it:
- After pouring the egg mixture over the bread, press gently to help soak it evenly.
- Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes at room temperature, or better yet, refrigerate overnight. This extra time lets the custard fully soak in.
- Use sturdy bread so it holds shape after soaking.
- Bake uncovered so the top can crisp up and balance the soft inside.
Patience here makes a big difference! Taking the time to soak lets you enjoy that creamy inside with a light, crunchy top instead of a soggy mess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking the custard ingredients smoothly without spills.
- Whisk – helps blend eggs and liquids into a creamy custard.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts and balanced flavors.
- Butter knife or small spoon – to dot butter evenly on top of the casserole.
- Oven mitts – to safely handle the hot casserole dish when removing it from the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Stir in fresh berries like blueberries or sliced strawberries before baking for a fruity burst and pretty color.
- Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips to satisfy a sweet tooth with melty chocolate bites.
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy twist during fall.
How to Make Baked French Toast Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time is about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes. This includes 20-30 minutes for the bread to soak in the custard mixture, plus 45-55 minutes of baking. If you choose, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate overnight to save time in the morning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Dish and Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick. Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
2. Mix the Custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Soak the Bread:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press the bread down gently to help it soak up the custard. Dot the top with small pieces of butter for a nice crispy crust.
4. Let It Rest:
Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes so the bread can absorb the custard. For extra rich flavor and ease, you can cover and refrigerate it overnight instead.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set (not jiggly). Take it out and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top and a dusting of powdered sugar if you like.
Can I Use Day-Old Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Slightly stale or day-old French bread or brioche works best because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, just toast it lightly to dry it out before using.
Can I Prepare Baked French Toast Casserole the Night Before?
Yes! After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight. This lets the bread absorb the custard more thoroughly and makes morning prep easier. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through for best results.
Can I Add Fruit or Nuts to the Casserole?
Definitely! Fresh berries, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips make great additions. Just sprinkle them on top or mix them in with the bread cubes before pouring the custard.
