Hey y'all! If you're craving a breakfast that's cozy, decadent, and perfect for everything from lazy Sunday mornings to festive holiday brunches, this French Toast Casserole will hit the spot. With a rich custard, golden, cinnamon-scented bread, and a buttery crunch on top, it’s a comforting classic made even tastier—and so easy to make ahead! Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Effortless Prep: Quickly assemble it the night before or in the morning for fuss-free baking.
- Crowd Pleaser: Always a hit at brunch parties, family get-togethers, and holiday mornings.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite bread, spices, or add-ins like berries or chocolate chips.
- Indulgently Delicious: Melty inside with a crisp topping—comfort food at its finest!
- Leftover Friendly: Tastes amazing reheated for quick weekday breakfasts.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 14-16 oz) French bread, preferably day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (for topping)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)
Directions
1. Prep the Bread
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add the cubed French bread, spreading evenly across the dish.
2. Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread. Lightly press the bread down, ensuring every piece gets soaked. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a medium bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
5. Bake
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and spoon the brown sugar mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean. For a softer texture, bake closer to 45 minutes; for a firmer, drier result, bake up to 50 minutes.
Notes
- Older or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, giving the casserole more structure and richer flavor.
- Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking if chilled overnight for even cooking.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
Variations
- Blueberry French Toast Casserole: Scatter 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries between bread cubes for bursts of juicy flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Version: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the custard-soaked bread for a sweet treat.
- Apple Cinnamon: Mix in 1 cup diced apples and an extra ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a cozy twist.
Required Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Plastic wrap
Storage Instructions
Let the casserole cool completely. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap cooled portions in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat single servings in the microwave, or larger portions in a 325°F (163°C) oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and maple syrup.
- Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Pair with crispy bacon, sausage links, or a fresh fruit salad for a satisfying brunch spread.
Pro Tips
- Use day-old bread to prevent sogginess and help the casserole hold its shape.
- Let the bread soak overnight for the richest, creamiest texture.
- Don’t forget the crunchy topping—it adds incredible texture and flavor contrast!
FAQ
Can I make French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, brioche, challah, or sourdough work beautifully; just ensure it's firm or stale enough to soak up the custard.
How do I know when it’s done?
It’s ready when the center is set and a knife comes out clean—if it jiggles a lot, bake for a few more minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread (about 16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
Instructions
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1Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the cubed French bread inside.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
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3Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down lightly to ensure all pieces are soaked. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
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4Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar. Drizzle over the soaked bread.
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5Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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