Name: Irresistible French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed; 6 large eggs; 1 ½ cups whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing); Optional: extra cinnamon sugar or butter for topping

Craving a cozy, sweet breakfast that feels like a warm hug in the morning? What if you could prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven while your coffee brews? This Irresistible French Toast Casserole is everything you want on a weekend morning—buttery, soft, golden, and topped with a crisp cinnamon-sugar crust. It’s the kind of dish that makes people linger at the breakfast table just a little longer.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this casserole brings classic French toast vibes with the ease of a bake. Each bite is soft in the middle, golden at the edges, and perfectly kissed with maple. Bonus: the smell alone is enough to get sleepyheads out of bed.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect French Toast Casserole, having the right tools on hand ensures both ease and consistency:

Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking together the custard ingredients evenly—you want every inch of your bread to soak in flavor.
Whisk: A sturdy whisk makes quick work of blending eggs, milk, cream, and spices smoothly.
9×13-Inch Baking Dish: The star vessel! It provides the right surface area for the bread to soak evenly and bake into that golden top.
Bread Knife or Kitchen Scissors: For cubing your bread without squishing it.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters when balancing sweet and creamy components.
Plastic Wrap or Lid (if prepping overnight): Keeps everything fresh and allows the custard to soak in properly.

Taking just a few extra minutes to gather your tools can make the entire process smoother—especially if you’re prepping this the night before.

Ingredients for the Irresistible French Toast Casserole

Day-old brioche or challah bread: This is the backbone of the dish. The texture is ideal for absorbing custard without turning soggy.
Eggs: They give the casserole its structure and classic custard feel.
Whole milk and heavy cream: Together they provide richness and moisture.
Brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses-like sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm aromatic depth.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These bring warmth and nostalgic comfort.
Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Butter: For greasing the dish and optionally dotting the top for golden crispness.

How To Make the Irresistible French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Cube the Bread

Cut your day-old brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes and place them in your greased baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure they soak up the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight if possible, or for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If desired, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture or dot with butter on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Let it cool slightly before serving. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Serving and Storing Your French Toast Casserole

This casserole shines fresh out of the oven, but it also keeps beautifully for later. Serve it warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a brunch-worthy bite.

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 325°F until warmed through, or pop individual slices in the microwave for a quicker fix. It also freezes well—wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! While brioche and challah are ideal for their richness, French bread or even sandwich bread will work in a pinch. Just ensure it’s slightly stale.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the milk and cream for full-fat coconut milk or a rich oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

How far in advance can I prep this?

It’s best prepped the night before, but you can prep it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge.

What toppings work best?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For something extra special, try a fruit compote or caramel drizzle.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight.

Want More Breakfast Casserole Ideas?

You might also like the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole for a savory twist on comfort food mornings. Or try the sweet, Southern-style Cinnamon Donut Bread if you’re after something with a cake-like crumb.

Don’t skip the Creamy Easy Egg Custard Pie if you’re craving nostalgic dessert-for-breakfast vibes. Or for a quick bite, the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes give just the right dose of indulgence.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you bake it, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you go classic or get creative with toppings? Leave a comment below. And if you want more cozy recipes like this, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate.