How To Make The Absolute Best French Toast Casserole Recipe

There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the house. This French Toast Casserole delivers all the cozy vibes of classic French toast, but in a warm, custardy bake that’s perfect for slow mornings or holiday brunches.

this Recipe

The first time I made this, I was hosting brunch for my in-laws and desperately needed something impressive yet low-effort. One bite in, and everyone was hooked—including me. It’s now a go-to for Christmas morning, lazy Sundays, and even potlucks. The best part? You prep it the night before, then just pop it in the oven the next day.

Let’s dive into why this is about to become your new favorite breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This French Toast Casserole

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new brunch staple. This French Toast Casserole is as dreamy to eat as it is easy to make.

First, it’s ridiculously convenient. You prep everything the night before, which means all you have to do in the morning is pour yourself some coffee and bake. No flipping slices of toast on a skillet—just one big, bubbly, golden dish of breakfast bliss.

It’s also incredibly kid- and crowd-friendly. Whether you're feeding picky toddlers or impressing a brunch crowd, this casserole gets everyone smiling. Sweet, soft, and packed with warm spices, it's like a cozy hug on a plate.

Let’s not forget how budget-friendly it is. You can use day-old bread, pantry staples like eggs, milk, sugar, and a few aromatic spices. It feeds a crowd without emptying your wallet.

And finally, it’s endlessly customizable. Add fruit, nuts, chocolate chips—whatever your heart (or fridge) desires. This recipe plays well with all your favorite flavors.

Ready to whip it up? Here’s everything you need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this French Toast Casserole lies in its humble ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in making this dish soft, rich, and utterly crave-worthy.

The bread is the foundation. I recommend using a loaf of brioche or challah—something thick, fluffy, and slightly sweet. Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard like a sponge without getting soggy. If you’re in a pinch, a sturdy French bread or even Texas toast can do the trick.

Next, the eggs are what bind everything together. They create the rich custard base that turns your dry bread into a warm, pudding-like dish. You'll want large eggs, and make sure to whisk them thoroughly so the mixture is silky smooth.

For creaminess, we use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream. The milk provides moisture, while the cream adds indulgent richness. You could substitute half-and-half if needed, but I find the full-fat combo gives the best texture.

The flavor makers are brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure vanilla extract. Brown sugar brings a caramel-like sweetness, while cinnamon and nutmeg offer warmth and depth. And don’t skip the vanilla—it adds that nostalgic, bakery-style aroma.

Lastly, you’ll want a baking dish (9x13 inches works perfectly), a whisk, and a mixing bowl. If you're prepping ahead, some plastic wrap or foil will help keep it covered overnight in the fridge.

How To Make This French Toast Casserole

Making this casserole is easier than flipping traditional French toast—and way more hands-off. Here’s how it comes together step by step.

Start by greasing your baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray. This not only prevents sticking but helps the bottom get deliciously golden and crisp. Cut your bread into thick cubes—about 1 to 2 inches—and spread them evenly in the dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. You want the sugar fully dissolved and the spices evenly distributed.

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets a good soak. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid. At this point, you can cover it tightly and refrigerate overnight for the best texture. But if you’re short on time, letting it rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature works in a pinch.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the casserole out of the fridge while the oven heats up so it can warm slightly. This helps it bake more evenly.

Bake uncovered for about 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and the center is set. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing—it’ll firm up a bit and be easier to serve.

The final dish is perfectly golden on top, with soft, custardy layers inside and caramelized edges around the corners. It smells like a dream and tastes even better.

Storage Options

French Toast Casserole stores beautifully, which makes it perfect for leftovers—or meal prep breakfast lovers.

Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well, so don’t be afraid to double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers.

If you'd like to freeze it, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, or warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through. If it feels dry, a splash of milk before reheating helps revive the custard texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this French Toast Casserole is how easy it is to tweak and customize to your taste or dietary needs.

Craving something fruity? Add a layer of fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, or chopped apples before pouring on the custard. They’ll bake right in and add a juicy pop of flavor.

Want some crunch? Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking. They toast up beautifully and add a nice contrast to the soft custard below.

For a decadent twist, mix in a handful of chocolate chips or swirl in some cream cheese before baking. It turns the whole thing into a rich, dessert-like breakfast treat.

Need it dairy-free? Use your favorite plant-based milk and swap in coconut cream for the heavy cream. Just be sure your bread is also dairy-free.

Feeling fancy? Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup—or even a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the kind of dish that can go simple or elegant, depending on the occasion.

However you serve it, don’t be afraid to make it your own. The base recipe is foolproof, and the possibilities are endless.

Print