Ultimate French Toast Casserole Recipe

Saturday mornings used to mean standing over a hot griddle flipping endless slices of bread while everyone else started eating.

Now I rely on this French toast casserole to feed the whole table at once so I can actually enjoy my coffee while it bakes.

Why This French Toast Casserole is a Weekend Savior

The beauty of this recipe lies in how it transforms humble ingredients into a centerpiece worthy of a holiday brunch.

You get all the custard-soaked goodness of the classic stovetop version without the constant monitoring or grease splatters.

It works beautifully as a make-ahead option, allowing the bread to soak up the rich egg mixture overnight in the fridge.

If you enjoyed this warm breakfast bake, you’ll want to try my Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites next, plus the Apple Cider Donuts delivers the same bold flavors.

What You’ll Need for French Toast Casserole

Here is the simple grocery list to get you started:

• Bread: A sturdy loaf like challah, brioche, or sourdough works best to absorb the liquid without disintegrating.
• Eggs: Large eggs form the base of the custard and provide structure.
• Milk: Whole milk creates a creamy texture, though 2% works in a pinch.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the custard base.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the egg mixture just enough.
• Brown Sugar: Essential for the crumble topping to create that caramelized crunch.
• Vanilla Extract: A generous splash enhances the sweet, warming flavors.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice runs through both the custard and the crisp topping.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds depth and that classic bakery aroma.
• Butter: Cold unsalted butter is necessary for the streusel topping.
• Flour: All-purpose flour binds the butter and sugar for the topping.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness in the custard.

My Method for Perfect French Toast Casserole

Let’s get baking!

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside.
2. Cut your loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down slightly to ensure every piece gets soaked.
5. In a separate small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
6. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the soaked bread mixture.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

My French Toast Casserole Secrets

Using the right bread makes the biggest difference in the final texture of your French toast casserole.

I always reach for a sturdy loaf like challah or brioche that can hold its shape even after soaking up the liquid.

Letting the assembled dish sit for at least thirty minutes allows the custard to permeate every cube for a creamy interior.

Best Ways to Enjoy French Toast Casserole

A generous drizzle of warm maple syrup is non-negotiable for me when plating this dish.

Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream add a bright contrast to the rich, spiced flavors of the French toast casserole.