How To Make The Absolute Best French Toast Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen as a warm, custardy French toast casserole bakes in the oven. This dish takes all the best parts of classic French toast—crispy edges, soft centers, and rich flavors—and transforms them into a make-ahead, oven-baked delight.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when looking for an easy way to feed a crowd during holiday brunches. Instead of flipping individual slices at the stove, this version allows you to assemble everything ahead of time and simply bake it when you're ready. It has quickly become a family favorite, perfect for lazy Sundays or special occasions.

Why You'll Love This French Toast Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite breakfast dish. This French toast casserole is not just delicious—it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves indulgent, stress-free mornings.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. There’s no need to stand over the stove flipping slices of bread; instead, everything is baked in one dish, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.

It’s also wonderfully customizable. You can add fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of maple syrup to make it your own. Whether you love the classic cinnamon flavor or want to experiment with different toppings, this recipe has room for creativity.

Not to mention, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish. Simply prepare it the night before, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven the next morning for a fuss-free, gourmet breakfast.

Best of all, the texture is absolute perfection—golden and slightly crisp on top, with a soft, custardy center that soaks up all the delicious flavors.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this French toast casserole lies in its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect taste and texture.

Bread is the foundation of this dish. A slightly stale, thick-cut bread like brioche or challah works best, as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. If using fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly.

Eggs and milk create the custard that gives the casserole its rich, creamy texture. Whole milk provides the best balance of flavor and consistency, but you can use half-and-half for an even richer result.

Cinnamon and vanilla extract infuse the casserole with classic warm, aromatic flavors. The combination of these two ingredients gives it that signature French toast taste.

Maple syrup or brown sugar adds the perfect touch of sweetness. While you can serve additional syrup on top, incorporating a bit into the custard ensures every bite is full of flavor.

Lastly, a buttery streusel topping takes this casserole to the next level. A simple mix of butter, flour, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon creates a delicious, slightly crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

How To Make This French Toast Casserole

Making this indulgent French toast casserole is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for the best results.

Start by preparing your bread. Cut your brioche or challah into thick cubes and place them in a buttered baking dish. You want the pieces to be roughly the same size so they soak up the custard evenly.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or brown sugar. Make sure everything is well combined, then pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid.

If you’re making this casserole ahead of time, cover and refrigerate it at this stage. Letting it sit overnight allows the bread to fully soak up the flavors, resulting in a richer taste.

Next, prepare the streusel topping by combining melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the casserole before baking.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can cover the casserole with foil for the first half of baking and then remove it to let the top crisp up.

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for the perfect finishing touch.

Storage Options

French toast casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. To store, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven until heated through.

If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the microwave or let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it in the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. Here are a few ways to customize it to your liking:

Want to add fruit? Try mixing in fresh or dried berries, sliced bananas, or diced apples before baking. They add a natural sweetness and extra texture.

Looking for a nutty crunch? Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the streusel topping for a delicious contrast.

For a festive twist, swap out the vanilla extract for almond or orange extract, or add a splash of bourbon for a more decadent flavor.

If you're dairy-free, substitute almond milk or coconut milk for regular milk and use a plant-based butter alternative for the topping.

Love a little extra indulgence? Drizzle caramel sauce over the casserole before serving or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

No matter how you make it, this French toast casserole is a guaranteed hit. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own!

Print