Why You’ll Love French Toast CasseroleRecipe
This casserole combines the best parts of traditional French toast—custardy, cinnamon‑scented bread—with the ease of a bake that feeds a crowd without much hands‑on time. It’s versatile, can use leftover bread, and delivers a cozy, satisfying breakfast that always gets rave reviews.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 loaf French bread
½ cup melted butter
1¼ cups light brown sugar (divided)
8 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
2½ cups whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup all‑purpose flour
powdered sugar and syrup for serving
Directions
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Tear the bread into 1–2 inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1 cup of the brown sugar, eggs, salt, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until fully combined.
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Pour the egg mixture over the bread, stir gently, and then refrigerate to soak for 30–60 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9×13‑inch casserole dish with non‑stick spray.
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Transfer the soaked bread and custard mixture to the prepared dish.
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In a small bowl, mix the remaining brown sugar with the flour, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
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Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and serve with syrup.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Refrigerate/soak time: up to overnight
Cook time: ~45 minutes
Total time: ~2 hours (with soak)
Variations
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Add fresh fruit such as apples, pears, blueberries, or bananas (toss fruit in a little sugar before adding).
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Top with a streusel made from flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter for extra texture.
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Mix in spices like nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice for seasonal flair.
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Substitute almond extract for vanilla for a different aromatic profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly or use a freezer‑safe container; it will last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
What type of bread works best for French toast casserole?
Dense, crusty bread like French bread, brioche, or challah holds up well when soaked in the custard and prevents sogginess.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate so it’s ready to bake in the morning.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?
Using stale or day‑old bread and not over‑soaking it helps maintain texture.
Can I add fruit to the casserole?
Yes—apples, berries, or bananas work well; toss them in a bit of sugar before adding.
Is there a gluten‑free version of this recipe?
You can use gluten‑free bread as a substitute, but texture may vary.
Can I use dairy‑free milk?
Yes, plant‑based milk like almond or oat milk can replace regular milk in a 1:1 ratio.
How do I add a crunchy topping?
Mix brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter to make a streusel topping and sprinkle it on before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes for best texture.
Can this casserole be frozen after baking?
Yes, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to three months.
Should I serve this with syrup?
Serving with maple syrup or powdered sugar enhances the sweetness and makes it feel like classic French toast.
Conclusion
This French Toast Casserole is a comforting, crowd‑pleasing dish that brings all the flavors of classic French toast into an easy bake. With its make‑ahead convenience, flexible variations, and delicious texture, it’s a recipe you’ll return to for holiday mornings and lazy weekends alike.
