Written by Sarah Miller
French Toast Casserole has honestly saved my sanity more times than I can count. Like, have you ever woken up on a chilly weekend morning—maybe the kids are starving or you’ve got friends staying over, thinking, “Why did I say I’d make breakfast?” Yep, that’s me, too. Let me tell you, this recipe swoops in and makes you look like a five-star restaurant chef with half the effort.
Oh, and if you’re ever looking for super cozy comfort food, don’t miss out on this easy breakfast casserole. And by the way, if you haven’t yet peeked at some of my top cozy morning ideas or checked out my go-to family brunch favorites, now might be the time.
How to Make French Toast Casserole Step by Step
Look, if you can tear up some bread and whisk eggs, you’re already half an expert. Here’s how I do it: Grab a stale loaf (anything sturdy, more below), cube it up, and place in a greased baking dish. In a big bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, some sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a good pinch of cinnamon. Pour this magic over your bread cubes—even if some are bigger or smaller, don’t stress.
Give everything a gentle mix so every piece gets coated. Pop it in the fridge for a bit if you have time (overnight is perfect, but even 30 minutes helps). Ready to bake? Sprinkle some brown sugar on top, because why not add a little glimmer. Then, into the oven until golden and puffy. I kid you not, your house will smell like heaven.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Stale Bread | Stale or dried bread absorbs the custard better, preventing sogginess. |
| Prep Ahead | Assemble the casserole the night before to save time in the morning. |
| Perfect Temperature | Bake at 350°F (175°C) for an even, golden finish. following USDA guidelines for safe baking temperatures. |
| Try Different Toppings | Experiment with fruits, nuts, or sauces for added flavor. |
| Freeze for Later | Once baked, you can freeze leftovers for quick breakfasts. |
Tips and Notes
Now, let me just say—I’ve messed this up a hundred different ways and it still turns out delicious. Here’s what I’ve learned from trial and way too much error. Don’t stress if your bread is a bit too fresh. Toast it lightly first. If your casserole looks a little dry before baking, pour on a splash more milk.
Some days need extra cinnamon, others crave nutmeg. Just trust your nose. I go wild with toppings sometimes. Chopped pecans, sliced bananas, or even dollops of cream cheese. And I’ll be real—sometimes I use half-and-half instead of regular milk for an extra decadent bite.
Kids (and grownups) love a drizzle of maple syrup at the table. If yours gets too brown too fast, tent some foil on top.
The best thing about this dish? It always looks fancy but it’s impossible to mess up.
Which Bread is Best for French Toast Casserole?
Confession: I have a thing for brioche when I’m feeling fancy, but in real life, whatever’s left in my breadbox usually wins. Sturdy breads work best—think challah, sourdough, even that French bread you forgot from two days ago. White sandwich bread will work in a pinch if you crisp it up in the toaster first.
The real trick is to make sure the bread is dry or slightly stale, so it soaks up all that sweet custard. Don’t use super soft, fresh bread—unless you want a soggy-sad breakfast flop (been there, trust me). For more fun breakfast ideas, you might also like my post on recipes for busy mornings or explore my collection of simple brunch recipes.
Can French Toast Casserole be Frozen?
Short answer: Yes! (And hallelujah, right?) I’ve frozen an entire pan, and individual slices too. Let it cool completely. If you freeze the whole casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic and then foil. It’ll hang out in the freezer for up to two months.
To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm it up in the oven until it’s good and toasty again. Don’t microwave if you can help it. It gets weirdly spongy. If you’re making breakfast for just you, freeze single portions and pop them in your toaster oven as needed. Super handy for solo cozy mornings.
Gluten Free and Dairy Free Options
I get asked about this a ton, and good news—yes, you can totally make French Toast Casserole work if you’re avoiding gluten or dairy. Grab your favorite gluten-free loaf. Just make sure it’s sturdy, cause the really soft ones get mushy. For dairy free, swap in almond milk, oat, or even coconut milk. I find almond works great and doesn’t change the flavor much.
You can even use vegan butter if you’re skipping the real stuff. Most brown sugar and cinnamon are already safe. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of berries for extra oomph. It’s honestly just as warm and delightful as the classic version. No one will know the difference—unless they’re snooping through your ingredient stash.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for that “brunch cafe” effect.
- Top with extra fruit like strawberries or blueberries.
- Serve with crispy bacon or sausage on the side.
- Dollop with whipped cream, just for fun.
Common Questions
Can I make French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep it the night before, keep it chilled, then bake fresh in the morning. Easiest brunch-ever.
Is it supposed to be soggy in the middle?
It should be soft, not too wet. A knife should come out mostly clean. If it’s really jiggly, bake a little longer.
What’s the best milk to use?
Any kind, really. Whole milk gives it a rich taste. Nondairy works, too.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Totally! Just use a bigger pan and maybe up the baking time by 10 or 15 minutes.
How do I stop the top from burning?
If it browns too fast, lay a sheet of foil gently over the top for the rest of the baking.
Warm Mornings, Simple Magic
Cooking shouldn’t stress you out, and French Toast Casserole is basically a breakfast win for everyone. Seriously, from big family gatherings to lazy rainy mornings, it just delivers every time. Give it a shot this weekend—oh, and for more inspiration, check out the awesome ideas at French Toast Casserole – Belle of the Kitchen if you want to try another style, or my all-time go-to, this perfectly easy French Toast Casserole Recipe. Let me know if you find a new twist. You’ll wake up excited to eat, trust me.
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 1 loaf stale bread, cubed Sturdy breads like brioche, challah, sourdough work best.
- 8 large eggs Whisked together with other ingredients.
- 2 cups milk Use whole, almond, or oat milk as per preference.
- 1/2 cup sugar Granulated, for sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds flavor to the custard.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Add more to taste if desired.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Sprinkle on top before baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cube the stale bread and place it in a greased baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Mix gently and cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Baking
- Before baking, sprinkle brown sugar on top of the mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until golden and puffy.