This Easy Baked French Toast Casserole is the ultimate breakfast dish, perfect for lazy weekends or a special brunch gathering. With a rich, custard-like center and a golden, slightly crisp topping, it combines the comforting flavors of traditional French toast with the ease of a casserole. Prepare it ahead of time and enjoy a stress-free morning with family or friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless to Make: Assemble the night before for an easy, no-fuss breakfast in the morning.
- Perfect for Crowds: A single dish that serves multiple people.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or flavorings to make it your own.
- Great Texture: Soft and creamy on the inside with a slightly crunchy top.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Saves you time and stress during busy mornings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread of your choice (stale bread works best)
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Butter
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or nuts
Directions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut your bread into cubes and arrange them in a greased casserole dish.
- Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring it soaks through.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours or overnight
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Variations
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the bread mixture for added crunch.
- Berry Burst: Mix in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
- Chocolate Delight: Sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers of bread for a sweet surprise.
- Spiced Flavor: Enhance with nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom for a deeper spice profile.
- Savory Version: Skip the sugar and vanilla, and add cooked sausage, cheese, and herbs for a savory breakfast option.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 300°F oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread for this recipe?
Stale bread is preferred as it absorbs the custard mixture better, but fresh bread can work if lightly toasted.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter option.
What type of bread works best?
Challah, brioche, or French bread are ideal due to their sturdy texture and ability to soak up the custard.
How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Ensure the bread cubes are well coated but not overly saturated, and bake until the center is set.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
How do I know when it’s done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for additional flavor.
Can I prep this in the morning instead of overnight?
Yes, but let the bread soak in the custard for at least 2 hours before baking.
What toppings go well with this casserole?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of caramel sauce pair wonderfully.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort for maximum reward. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a leisurely morning, this recipe delivers a delicious, comforting breakfast that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite flavors and toppings, and savor every bite!
PrintEasy Baked French Toast Casserole
This Easy Baked French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. Soft and fluffy bread is soaked in a rich custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crumble. Serve it with maple syrup for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and comforting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (about 10 cups), cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the cubed bread to the dish, spreading it evenly. - Make the Custard:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. - Assemble:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to ensure every piece is soaked. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. - Make the Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the middle. - Serve:
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble.
- You can use any sturdy bread, such as sourdough or French bread, in place of brioche.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.