Introduction
An easy French toast casserole is one of those recipes that instantly makes mornings feel calmer and more special. Instead of standing over the stove flipping slices one by one, everything comes together in a single baking dish and goes straight into the oven. I first made this casserole for a family brunch when I wanted something comforting but low-effort, and it quickly became a favorite. The bread soaks up a rich custard overnight, resulting in a soft interior with a lightly crisp top. It is perfect for holidays, weekend breakfasts, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying meal without stress. This recipe delivers classic French toast flavor with minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
PrintEasy French Toast Casserole Recipe for Effortless Mornings
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy make-ahead French toast casserole that is soft on the inside, golden on top, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz / 400 g) day-old French bread, cubed
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread the bread cubes inside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently so all pieces are soaked.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then serve warm with powdered sugar or maple syrup.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps absorb the custard better.
- You can add berries or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French toast casserole is simple, reliable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It can be prepared in advance, uses basic pantry ingredients, and bakes into a comforting breakfast with excellent texture and flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Day-old bread is the foundation of this casserole. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard without becoming soggy, creating a tender but structured texture.
Eggs bind the ingredients together and form the custard base. They provide richness and help the casserole set properly while baking.
Whole milk adds moisture and creaminess. It balances the eggs and ensures the bread bakes into a soft, custard-like consistency.
Heavy cream enhances richness and gives the casserole a luxurious mouthfeel. I tested this once with only milk, and the cream truly made a difference.
Granulated sugar sweetens the custard gently without overpowering the other flavors.
Brown sugar adds warmth and a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and gives the casserole its classic French toast aroma.
Ground cinnamon provides warmth and depth. It is essential for that familiar French toast flavor.
Butter greases the baking dish and adds richness to the finished casserole.
Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Directions
Start by generously buttering a baking dish. Cut the bread into cubes and spread them evenly in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, making sure all pieces are coated. Press the bread down gently to help it absorb the liquid. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least four hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven and remove the casserole from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake uncovered until the top is golden and the center is set. Allow it to rest briefly before serving so it slices cleanly.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, chilling time is at least 4 hours, and baking time is approximately 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
This French toast casserole is highly adaptable. You can use brioche or challah for extra richness, or whole wheat bread for a heartier option. Adding fresh berries brings brightness and natural sweetness, while chopped apples add texture and warmth. For a more indulgent version, mix in chocolate chips or drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving. You can also make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk and cream alternatives. For a lightly spiced twist, add nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Bread Choice Matters: Slightly stale bread gives the best texture.
Even Soaking: Press the bread gently to ensure all pieces absorb custard.
Golden Top: Cover loosely if browning too quickly near the end of baking.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes, overnight chilling improves flavor and texture.
What bread works best?
Brioche, challah, or French bread are excellent choices.
Can I freeze French toast casserole?
Yes, freeze baked portions for up to two months.
How do I know when it is done?
The center should be set and no longer liquid.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, both sugars can be slightly reduced without affecting structure.
What can I serve with it?
Fresh fruit, yogurt, or maple syrup pair very well.
Conclusion
This easy French toast casserole recipe is a dependable, comforting breakfast that simplifies mornings without sacrificing flavor. With its rich custard, soft interior, and golden top, it is a dish you will return to again and again.
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