Baked French Toast Casserole is the perfect breakfast that’s both warm and comforting, with soft, custardy bread and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla that fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell. It’s like your classic French toast but made in a big dish so everyone can share, which makes mornings feel extra special without a lot of fuss.
I love making this casserole the night before because it gives all the flavors time to soak into the bread and makes morning a breeze. I always sneak in a little extra cinnamon because I like that cozy spice, and a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking adds a nice golden crunch that everyone seems to enjoy.
Serving this with a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries turns it into a complete breakfast that feels like a treat but is easy to put together. It’s one of those dishes that’s wonderful for weekend mornings or any time you want to make a regular day feel a bit more festive and homey.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah work great because they soak up the custard but still hold their shape. If you can’t find these, use a sturdy white bread or even croissants for extra richness.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream give the custard a creamy texture. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream for extra milk or use a plant-based milk like oat or almond.
Eggs: Eggs create the custard base. You can use just egg whites for a lower-fat version, but the yolks add flavor and richness.
Vanilla & Cinnamon: These spices bring warmth and sweetness. Feel free to add nutmeg or orange zest for a little twist.
Brown Sugar: Sprinkled on top, it caramelizes and gives a nice crunch. You can use coconut sugar or maple sugar as alternatives.
How Do You Get the Perfect Custard Soak in Baked French Toast Casserole?
Soaking the bread well is key so every bite is soft and flavorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut the bread into cubes that are about 1 inch. This size soaks well but still holds some texture.
- Mix your eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and spices thoroughly so the custard is smooth and even.
- Pour the custard slowly over the bread in the baking dish.
- Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid, but don’t mash it.
- For best results, let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking; overnight in the fridge works even better.
This soaking time lets the bread absorb the custard without falling apart, giving you that ideal balance of custardy softness and a slightly crisp top.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – great size for even baking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowl – big enough to whisk eggs, milk, and spices smoothly.
- Whisk – helps mix custard ingredients without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Knife and cutting board – to cut the bread into perfect cubes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add fresh or frozen berries for a fruity surprise in every bite.
- Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and nuttiness.
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice in fall for a cozy seasonal twist.
- Mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter, dessert-like breakfast treat.
Baked French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (about 12 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. Bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes until it’s golden and puffed up. Allow a few minutes to cool before serving. Total time is roughly 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Bread:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Cut the brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the dish.
2. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Soak the Bread:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down slightly so it soaks up the custard evenly.
4. Add Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the top of the soaked bread. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The casserole should be puffed and golden brown on top, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle warm maple syrup over each serving and dust with powdered sugar, if you like. Enjoy!
Can I Use Stale Bread for This Recipe?
Yes! In fact, slightly stale or day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard without becoming too mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can toast the cubes lightly to dry them out a bit before assembling.
Can I Prepare the Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard fully and makes baking easier in the morning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or bake the entire dish covered with foil at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
