Famous French Toast Casserole Recipe

French Toast Casserole Recipe is a baked version of classic stovetop French toast. Instead of dipping slices of bread one at a time, you cube the bread and pour a milk and egg mixture over it in a baking dish.

The bread absorbs the custard, then bakes until set and lightly golden on top. Many people prepare it as an overnight french toast casserole to let the flavors settle in. It’s cozy, simple, and perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or even a relaxed weekend brunch.

The mix of soft French bread cubes, warm cinnamon, and vanilla gives you that classic flavor without the hassle. This French Toast Casserole works best for the morning, so you can prep it the night before and bake it in the morning. This makes it on of my favourite breakfasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

You’ll love this French Toast Casserole since it saves time and feeds a crowd without extra work. It has the soft center and lightly crisp top that everyone looks for in a french toast bake.

You can prep it as a french toast casserole recipe overnight and bake it fresh in the morning. The ingredients are simple and already in most kitchens. It’s flexible, so you can add sausage, cheese, or even croissants to change it up.

How To Prepare French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Recipe Overview

French Toast Casserole is a baked breakfast dish made with French bread cubes, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Breakfast / Brunch
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Calories: Approx. 260–300 per serving

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Ingredients

  • 5 cups French bread cubes
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup white sugar, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
French Toast Casserole Recipe
French Toast Casserole Recipe

How To Make French Toast Casserole (Step by Step)

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your baking dish with softened butter.

Step 2: Add the Bread

Spread the French bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk until fully combined.

Step 4: Pour and Press

Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down with a spatula so it absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
If making a french toast casserole recipe overnight, cover and refrigerate at this stage.

Step 5: Add Sugar Topping

Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top before baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is set, and the top is lightly golden.Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 220mg

✔️Values vary based on bread and milk used.

Recipe Tips

✅ Add cooked sausage or shredded cheese for a savory french toast breakfast casserole.

✅ Mix in a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder for a savory twist.

✅ Swap bread for croissants to make a Croissant Breakfast Casserole.

✅ Use brioche for a richer baked french toast casserole.

✅ Add small cubes of cream cheese for a french toast casserole with cream cheese.

✅ Turn it into a cinnamon roll version with canned rolls.

✅ Make it in a slow cooker for a slow cooker french toast option.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve warm with maple syrup.

2. Top with fresh berries.

3. Add powdered sugar on top.

4. Pair with eggs and sausage.

5. Serve with yogurt or whipped cream.

Recipe Notes

  • Use slightly dry bread for best texture.
  • Do not skip resting time before baking.
  • Cover with foil if the top browns too fast.
  • Let it cool slightly before cutting.

Which Bread Is Best For French Toast Casserole?

The best bread for French Toast Casserole recipe is slightly stale French bread since it absorbs the custard without turning mushy. Brioche is another great option if you want a richer baked french toast casserole with a soft texture.

Many people love using challah for a tender and lightly sweet french toast bake. Croissants work well for a croissant french toast casserole that feels soft and buttery.

Day-old bread is always better than fresh bread for any french toast casserole recipe. No matter which you choose, sturdy bread gives the best structure and flavor.

Can French Toast Casserole Be Frozen?

Yes, French Toast Casserole can be frozen, and it freezes very well after baking. Let the french toast casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze the whole baked french toast casserole or cut it into individual portions for easy reheating.

Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months for best texture and flavor. When ready to eat, thaw the french toast casserole recipe overnight in the fridge.

Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, and it will taste just as comforting as the day you made it.

Why Is My French Toast Casserole Soggy?

If your French Toast Casserole is soggy, it usually means the bread absorbed too much liquid or didn’t bake long enough. Using fresh, soft bread instead of slightly stale cubes can cause a wet texture in your french toast casserole recipe.

Too much milk compared to eggs can prevent the custard from setting properly. The center may need extra baking time if it still looks soft when you remove it from the oven. Covering the dish too tightly while baking can trap steam and create moisture.

To fix this, use drier bread, measure the liquid carefully, and bake until the middle of your french toast casserole is fully set.

Other Breakfast Recipes

Easy Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Easy Homemade Cheese Danish Recipe

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake Casserole

The Best McGriddle Bites (Viral TikTok Recipe)

FAQs for French Toast Casserole

Can I Make This Recipe French Toast Casserole Ahead Of Time?

Yes. Prepare it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.

Can I Use Croissants Instead Of French Bread?

Yes. It makes a rich croissant french toast casserole with a softer texture

How Do I Keep It From Getting Soggy?

Use slightly stale bread and avoid adding too much milk.

Can I Make A Pioneerwoman French Toast Casserole Version?

You can add extra cinnamon sugar on top or a crumb topping for a similar feel.

Can I Add Cream Cheese?

Yes. Cubed cream cheese makes a great baked french toast with cream cheese option.

Final Thoughts

This French Toast Casserole is one of my favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes. It gives you the same cozy flavor as classic French toast without standing at the stove. I love how easy it is to turn this into an overnight french toast casserole for busy mornings.

The center stays soft and the top bakes up lightly golden with cinnamon flavor. You can keep it simple or add croissants, brioche, sausage, or cream cheese. If you want a reliable french toast bake recipe that feeds a crowd, this one never lets me down.

French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole is a baked breakfast dish made with bread cubes, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s soft in the center, lightly golden on top, and perfect for easy mornings or make-ahead brunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups French bread cubes
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup white sugar divided
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease your baking dish with softened butter.
Step 2: Add the Bread
  1. Spread the French bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Custard
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Whisk until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour and Press
  1. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down with a spatula so it absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  2. If making a french toast casserole overnight, cover and refrigerate at this stage.
Step 5: Add Sugar Topping
  1. Sprinkle the remaining sugar on top before baking.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Use slightly dry bread for best texture.
  • Do not skip resting time before baking.
  • Cover with foil if the top browns too fast.
  • Let it cool slightly before cutting.

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