French Toast Casserole

By Adeline

Published on August 2, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a warm, comforting breakfast baking on a lazy morning. I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for the most delectable french toast casserole. This dish comes together easily. It has a rich, custardy center and a wonderfully crispy, sweet topping.

This french toast casserole is truly a lifesaver. I often whip this up on a Sunday night. It makes busy weekdays so much brighter. Everyone in my family absolutely adores it.

Why I Love This Recipe

I truly adore this french toast casserole recipe for so many reasons. It’s incredibly forgiving. It feeds a crowd with ease. Plus, the make-ahead magic is a busy mom’s dream. Imagine waking up to breakfast already taken care of! It’s pure comfort food at its finest. The rich flavor always gets rave reviews. This casserole is perfect for cozy weekend mornings. It’s also great for holiday brunches.

French Toast Casserole Ingredients

Let’s dive into the simple, wholesome ingredients that make this french toast casserole sing! It’s a beautiful symphony of pantry staples. These items come together for truly delightful results. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store.

Sourdough Bread: This is the star of our show. Its sturdy texture soaks up all that custardy goodness. It won’t get soggy.
Large Eggs: They create the rich, creamy custard. This binds everything beautifully.
Milk & Heavy Cream: A dynamic duo! They add incredible richness and tenderness. Full-fat dairy works best here.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances all the sweet flavors. It adds a lovely aroma.
Sugar: Sweetens the custard base. It helps create that golden crust.
All-Purpose Flour: This is for our dreamy crumb topping. It provides structure.
Packed Light Brown Sugar: It brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the topping. This adds wonderful depth.
Ground Cinnamon: The ultimate warming spice! It pairs perfectly with french toast and apples.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness. It makes all the flavors pop.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Essential for a tender, crumbly topping. It creates a rich Mouthfeel.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to make this french toast casserole your own? You totally can! For the bread, brioche or challah work like a dream too. They add a lovely richness. If you don’t have heavy cream, using all milk is fine. The texture might be slightly lighter. Feel free to swap brown sugar for white sugar in the topping. Just know it changes the flavor a bit. For a little something extra, stir in some orange zest to the custard. Or add a handful of fresh blueberries. Exact quantities are always in the recipe card below. You can easily adjust them for your taste.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Making this french toast casserole is simple. I promise! You’ll be amazed how easily it comes together. It’s a real joy to prepare. Soon, your kitchen will smell divine.

Preparing the Bread Base

First, grab your favorite loaf of bread. I love sourdough for this. Cut it into nice 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about perfection. Scatter these bread cubes evenly. Use a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. This creates our lovely foundation. This step is quick and easy.

Crafting the Custard

Now, let’s make the magical custard. Get a medium-sized bowl. Crack in all those large eggs. Pour in the milk and heavy cream. Add the sweet vanilla extract next. Then, sprinkle in the sugar. Whisk everything together really well. You want it smooth and creamy. This liquid gold will soak into the bread.

Assembling and Chilling Your French Toast Casserole

Next, pour the custard mix. Drizzle it evenly over the bread cubes. Make sure every piece gets coated. The bread will lovingly soak it all up. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge. It needs to chill for at least four hours. Overnight is even better. This chilling time is key. It lets flavors truly mingle.

Creating the Crumb Topping

While the casserole chills, make the topping. This adds amazing texture. In a medium bowl, mix flour. Add the brown sugar. Don’t forget the cinnamon and salt. Cut in the cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry blender. Mix until it’s lovely and crumbly. Put this buttery crumble in a bag. Store it in the fridge too. It will be ready when you are.

Baking to Golden Perfection

When you are ready to bake, heat your oven. Set it to 350 degrees F. Unwrap your chilled casserole dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly. Spread it all over the bread. Bake it uncovered now. It will take 45 to 60 minutes. Baking time depends on how soft you like it. Look for a golden brown top. The center should be set. This finished french toast casserole is a dream.

How to Store French Toast Casserole

Proper storage is a game-changer. It helps you enjoy your french toast casserole later. If you have leftovers, cool them completely first. Room temperature for a while is fine. Then, cover the baking dish tightly. You can use plastic wrap or foil. Pop it into the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. This makes delicious grab-and-go breakfasts. To reheat, warm individual servings. A microwave works well. Or use the oven until heated through.

This french toast casserole also freezes wonderfully. This is a huge time-saver. You can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap the dish. Use plastic wrap then foil. Don’t forget to store the crumb topping separately! Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Add the topping before baking. If freezing baked french toast casserole, cool it completely. Then wrap it up tight. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat. It’s perfect for busy mornings. You’ll love having this on hand.

Tips for Success

Here are some simple tips. They will help make your french toast casserole amazing:

Don’t rush the chilling. It really deepens the flavor.
Use stale bread if possible. It soaks up more custard.
Press the bread down evenly. This ensures even soaking.
Don’t over-bake the casserole. You want it tender, not dry.
A baking sheet underneath catches drips. This keeps your oven clean.
Always preheat your oven fully. This ensures consistent baking.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools helps so much. But don’t worry if you don’t have everything! Here are the basic kitchen tools I use:

9×13 inch Baking Dish: This is a must-have for any casserole.
Large Mixing Bowls: Two are best, one for custard, one for topping.
Whisk: Essential for blending the custard smoothly.
Plastic Wrap: For chilling your french toast casserole overnight.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is always key in baking.
Sharp Knife: For cutting your bread into perfect cubes.

Serving Suggestions

This french toast casserole is fantastic on its own. But a few additions can make it even better! Here are some ideas:

Serve with fresh berries. Blueberries or raspberries are wonderful.
A drizzle of warm maple syrup is a must.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Crispy bacon or sausage offers a nice savory contrast.
Pair with some hot coffee or a glass of orange juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare French Toast Casserole the night before?

Absolutely, yes! That’s actually the recommended way. Preparing your french toast casserole overnight allows the bread to really soak up the custard. This gives you that amazing, rich texture.

What kind of bread is best for French Toast Casserole?

I always recommend a sturdy bread. Sourdough is my top choice. Brioche or challah also work wonderfully. They hold up great to all that yummy custard.

How do I know when my French Toast Casserole is done baking?

Look for a beautiful golden-brown top. The center should also be set. You can gently jiggle the dish. It shouldn’t be too liquidy in the middle.

Can I add fruit to my French Toast Casserole?

Yes, please do! Fresh blueberries are a favorite. Sliced apples or even peaches would be delicious. Just scatter them over the bread before pouring the custard.