Homemade French Toast Casserole

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This Homemade French Toast Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that instantly takes me back to slow weekend mornings filled with warmth, sweet aromas, and the promise of a delicious breakfast. It’s everything you love about classic French toast—custardy center, golden top, and a hint of cinnamon—transformed into a no-fuss, oven-baked dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or just a cozy Sunday with the family, this casserole always gets rave reviews.

What I love most is how you can prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven the next morning. It saves time, reduces stress, and fills the kitchen with the most inviting smell. Plus, it’s a recipe that welcomes little personal touches—from added fruits to flavored syrups—making it one of my most versatile go-to breakfast ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade French Toast Casserole

This casserole is the ultimate answer for busy mornings and lazy weekends alike. It’s baked rather than cooked stovetop, so you get all the flavor of French toast without having to stand flipping slices. The center is irresistibly soft, the top has a golden crisp, and the custard soaks into the bread just perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is secretly simple.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

The best bread for this casserole is something hearty and slightly stale. Think brioche, challah, or even a crusty French baguette. These absorb the custard without becoming soggy. I personally love brioche for its slightly sweet flavor and soft texture—it gives the casserole that rich, buttery base that elevates the entire dish.

Options for Substitutions

You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have at home or dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and a plant-based butter. Want to add more texture? Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. Not a fan of cinnamon? Try nutmeg or cardamom for a different twist. You can also add blueberries, sliced bananas, or even chocolate chips for a fun variation.

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Ingredients for This Homemade French Toast Casserole

• Brioche Bread – This rich, tender bread is ideal for soaking up the custard without falling apart. Slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs more of the egg mixture.
• Eggs – The heart of the custard base, eggs bind everything together and create that classic French toast texture.
• Whole Milk – Adds creaminess to the custard. You can also use half-and-half for an even richer result.
• Heavy Cream – Boosts the richness and provides a decadent texture to the casserole.
• Brown Sugar – Gives the casserole a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar – Balances out the brown sugar and sweetens the custard.
• Ground Cinnamon – Brings warmth and classic French toast flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall aroma and flavor.
• Butter – Melted butter adds richness and helps create that golden crust on top.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar (for serving) – Adds a finishing touch and makes it look bakery-worthy.
• Maple Syrup (optional) – A classic topping to drizzle just before serving.

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Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut the brioche into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or lightly toast it to dry it out. This helps it soak up more of the custard mixture without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. This mixture should be rich and silky.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Add the bread cubes evenly into the dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down slightly to ensure every piece is soaked.

Step 4: Let It Soak

Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This gives the bread time to absorb all the flavor and moisture.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup or fresh berries if desired.

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How Long to Prepare the Homemade French Toast Casserole

Prep Time: The initial preparation takes about 15–20 minutes. That includes cubing the bread, mixing the custard, and assembling everything in the baking dish. It’s a quick and easy process, especially if your bread is already slightly stale.

Resting and Baking Time: For best texture and flavor, the casserole should rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Baking takes about 50–55 minutes in total—30 minutes covered and 20–25 uncovered to get that golden top.

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Tips for Perfect Homemade French Toast Casserole

• Use slightly stale bread for better absorption.
• Don’t skip the resting period—it allows the custard to fully saturate the bread.
• Add a crunchy topping like chopped pecans or a sprinkle of turbinado sugar before baking.
• Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking.
• Bake uncovered at the end to get a crisp top.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using fresh bread only – It might get too soggy and mushy.
• Not soaking long enough – This can lead to dry patches.
• Skipping the buttered dish – Your casserole might stick.
• Overbaking – Can make the inside dry and chewy.
• Undermixing the custard – You want a smooth, consistent mixture to evenly coat the bread.

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What to Serve With Homemade French Toast Casserole?

1. Fresh Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a tart freshness that complements the rich casserole.

2. Crispy Bacon

The salty crunch of bacon balances the sweetness and adds protein.

3. Greek Yogurt

A dollop of vanilla or plain Greek yogurt offers a creamy, tangy contrast.

4. Maple-Glazed Sausages

These bring a savory-sweet twist to your breakfast table.

5. Freshly Brewed Coffee

A strong cup of coffee makes this indulgent breakfast even better.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap portions individually or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Cholesterol: 140mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I prepare the casserole?

You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge.

Can I make it without dairy?

Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap in vegan butter.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze it after baking for better texture. If freezing unbaked, thaw fully before baking.

Can I add fruit to the casserole?

Absolutely. Blueberries, bananas, or even diced apples work beautifully.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The center should be set (not jiggly) and a knife inserted should come out clean.

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Conclusion

Homemade French Toast Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s warm, comforting, and easily adaptable to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want to make a regular morning feel special, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a golden top, rich custard base, and endless topping options, it truly earns a spot in your breakfast rotation.

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