Name: Baked French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 10 to 12 cups cubed bread (preferably day old); 8 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup cream (optional); 1/3 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon; A pinch of salt; Butter (for greasing the pan)

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Baked French Toast Casserole is my go to move for those busy mornings when everyone is hungry at the same time and I do not want to stand at the stove flipping slices one by one. You know the kind of morning I mean. The coffee is barely working, somebody cannot find a shoe, and your to do list is already rude. This casserole lets you do the work once, then bake it while you get life together. It comes out warm, sweet, and cozy with that classic French toast vibe, but way less effort.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

I started making this when I realized French toast is basically bread plus custard, and there is no rule that says it has to be cooked in individual slices. A casserole pan is honestly the best shortcut. It also makes your kitchen smell like cinnamon and vanilla, which feels like a small win even on chaotic mornings.

What you will need

Bread: about 10 to 12 cups cubed (day old is best)
Eggs: 8 large
Milk: 2 cups (whole milk is richest, but any works)
Cream: 1 half cup (optional, but extra cozy)
Sugar: 1 third cup
Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons for deeper flavor
Vanilla: 2 teaspoons
Cinnamon: 1 and a half teaspoons
Salt: a pinch
Butter: for greasing the pan

Simple directions

Here is how I do it without overthinking:

1) Grease a 9 by 13 baking dish really well. Butter in the corners matters.

2) Add your bread cubes to the dish. I like them packed but not smashed.

3) In a big bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream if using, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until it looks smooth and a little frothy.

4) Pour the mixture evenly over the bread. Press down gently with a spoon so the top pieces get some love too.

5) Let it sit 15 to 20 minutes if you are baking right away. If you have time, resting helps the bread soak better.

6) Bake at 350 F for about 40 to 50 minutes. You want the center set and the top lightly golden.

If your top is getting too dark before the middle sets, just loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

One more thing. If you love the French toast flavor but sometimes want the griddled vibe, my other favorite is this Blackstone French toast. Different mood, same comfort breakfast feeling.

“I made this for a family brunch and it disappeared fast. The best part is I could actually sit down and eat with everyone instead of cooking nonstop.”

Best Breads to Use

Choosing bread is the sneaky secret. The best Baked French Toast Casserole starts with bread that can soak up custard without turning into mush. If your bread is super soft and fresh, it can get a little too pudding like. Some people love that, but I like a bit of structure.

My top picks are:

Brioche: Rich and soft, feels like a bakery treat. This is my favorite when I want a special weekend vibe.

Challah: Similar to brioche, slightly sturdier, and so good with cinnamon.

French bread: More chewy, holds up really well, and gives you crisp edges.

Sourdough: Sounds odd, but the slight tang with sweet toppings is amazing.

Here is my quick rule: use thick slices or cubes, and if possible, let the bread sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly in the oven. Dry bread drinks up the custard like it was made for this job.

If you are serving this for a crowd and need a savory option later in the day, tuck this idea away too: garlic butter baked chicken breast. It is one of those easy recipes that saves dinner when you are tired.

Variations

This is the part where you can make it feel like your own. I make the classic version most often, but it is super flexible. Think of the base recipe as your blank canvas.

Easy flavor add ins:

Berry vanilla: Add blueberries or raspberries before baking. They get jammy and sweet.

Apple cinnamon: Mix in chopped apples and an extra pinch of cinnamon. I sometimes add a tiny shake of nutmeg too.

Banana bread energy: Add sliced bananas and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with maple syrup at the end.

Chocolate chip: Sprinkle a handful on top right before baking. It feels like dessert, not gonna lie.

Want a crunchy topping? Mix 3 tablespoons melted butter with 1 third cup brown sugar and 1 third cup flour, then sprinkle it over the top before baking. It turns into a crisp sweet layer that people go crazy for.

Also, if you have leftovers, try reheating a slice in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes. The edges get crisp again, and it tastes freshly baked.

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, and this is why I keep coming back to Baked French Toast Casserole. It is practically built for make ahead mornings. You can assemble it at night, stash it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning while you do everything else.

My make ahead routine

I put the bread in the dish, whisk the custard, pour it over, then cover tightly. It sits in the fridge overnight. In the morning, I pull it out while the oven heats up, so it is not ice cold going into the oven. Then I bake like normal, sometimes adding 5 to 10 minutes if it is still chilly in the middle.

One more make life easier tip: set out your serving stuff at night too. Plates, syrup, fruit, and any drinks. It makes the morning feel calmer, even if the rest of the house is not.

Quick freezer note: you can freeze it after baking. Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered at 325 F until warm.

Gluten Free and Dairy Free Options

You can absolutely make this work if you are avoiding gluten or dairy. I have done both versions for friends and it still tastes like comfort food, not like a compromise.

Gluten free: Use a sturdy gluten free loaf, something that is not super crumbly. Cube it, then dry it out a bit. Gluten free bread tends to be softer, so the drying step helps a lot. Keep an eye on bake time since some gluten free breads brown faster.

Dairy free: Swap milk for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk from a carton. For the cream, just use more non dairy milk or a richer option like full fat oat milk. Use a plant based butter for greasing the dish. If you like the flavor, a tiny splash of coconut milk can make it taste extra cozy.

Both at once: Totally doable. The main thing is making sure your bread can handle soaking without dissolving. If it feels too soft, bake a little longer so the center sets.

Common Questions

Why is my casserole soggy in the middle?
Usually it needs more bake time, or your bread was too fresh and soft. Next time, dry the bread out first and bake until the center is set, not jiggly.

Can I use only egg whites?
You can, but it will be less rich. If you want to lighten it up, do half whole eggs and half egg whites. That keeps good flavor.

How do I know when it is done?
The top should look golden and the center should feel set when you gently shake the pan. If you poke the middle with a knife, it should come out mostly clean, not coated in liquid custard.

What should I serve with it?
Fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs are easy. If you want a bigger brunch spread, bacon or sausage is great too.

How long do leftovers keep?
In the fridge, about 3 to 4 days in a covered container. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, but the microwave works when you are in a hurry.

A cozy breakfast you can actually pull off

If you need a breakfast that feels special but fits real life, Baked French Toast Casserole is the answer. You can prep it ahead, bake it hands off, and serve something warm that everyone actually wants to eat. Keep your bread a little dry, do not rush the bake time, and do not be afraid to add your own twist with fruit or a crunchy topping. For more inspiration, I also like checking out French Toast Casserole – Belle of the Kitchen when I am in a breakfast rut. Try it once, and I really think it will become one of your reliable busy morning favorites too.

Baked French Toast Casserole

Author: clara
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A cozy breakfast casserole that combines classic French toast flavors with easy preparation for busy mornings.

Instructions

Grease a 9 by 13 baking dish really well.
Add your bread cubes to the dish, packed but not smashed.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream (if using), sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and press down gently to ensure all pieces are coated.
Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes if baking right away, or refrigerate overnight for better soaking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 40 to 50 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.