French Toast Casserole is a perfect family or guest breakfast because it can be prepared quickly the night before. Just pull it out of the fridge in the morning, top with a brown sugar and butter topping, and bake it to create an unforgettable breakfast that will keep everyone talking about it all day!
This delightful baked French toast is sweet and delicious. It's the perfect main dish for a brunch or breakfast. And honestly, we've even eaten it for dinner. Breakfast for dinner is always hit in this house. Whatever time of day it is served, it is sure to be devoured. Serve it with homemade egg bites and the best bacon on the side. Top your French toast casserole with cinnamon apples or spiced pumpkin maple syrup for a real treat!
About French Toast Casserole
Unlike French toast that is just dipped in an egg mixture, this French toast casserole allows the bread to absorb a mixture of eggs and cream. After baking it's a combination of moist bread and rich custard. The bread isn't soggy, in case you're worried. Cooking it for a long time sets up the egg to create a classic French toast flavor that is incorporated through every bit of bread, rather than just on top - like traditional French toast.
I've seen French toast casseroles that just cut little chunks of butter on the top for a crispy, buttery crust. But I like to make things extra special and delicious. And once you taste the brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter topping, you'll know just how special and delicious it is. This could seriously be served in a restaurant!
Tools you will need
This recipe just uses a few of my favorite tools:
- 9x13 Pan
- Mixing Bowls - medium sized
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk or Fork
- Pastry Knife or Fork
Ingredients for French Toast Casserole
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are basic pantry and refrigerator items. So look around and you might be able to try this recipe sooner than later!
For French Toast
- Loaf of French Bread (or other crusty bread) - This is a great time to use day old French bread because it doesn't get as mushy.
- Eggs - I always use
- Large eggs
- Milk - I like to use 2% for the richest French toast, but 1% will also work.
- Cream or Half and Half - This really adds to the richness and creaminess of the casserole. You can substitute this with 2% milk, but I highly recommend using cream or half and half because it turns this dish into a special occasion.
- Sugar - Granulated sugar
- Vanilla - Intensifies the flavors and adds a warm depth to the dish.
- Cinnamon - Just a little mixed throughout the dish tastes amazing!
For Crumb Topping
- Brown Sugar - This introduces a caramel-like flavor to the topping.
- Flour - All-purpose, this will keep the topping together.
- Cinnamon - Yes, more cinnamon to make this delicious.
- Butter - Use real butter for the best experience.
How to Make French Toast Casserole
The full printable recipe is below.
This recipe can be made in a few simple steps:
- Cut the bread into bite sized chunks - about 1" cubes.
- Mix the ingredients for the French toast together.
- Pour over the bread so it is evenly distributed, but don't be too meticulous because it will all mix together as it sits overnight in the fridge. Then cover with lid or plastic wrap.
- Make streusel topping at the same time or the next morning when you're oven is heating up. Mix oats, flour, and cinnamon together. Cut the chilled butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles crumbs.
- When ready to bake the casserole, sprinkle crumb topping over the bread.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on how crispy you want the exposed bread on top to be.
- Remove from oven and let the French toast rest for a couple of minutes before cutting into squares and serving with your favorite breakfast toppings.
Different Ways to Make French Toast Casserole
- Add cranberries and orange peel zest for a festive Christmas breakfast or brunch.
- Sprinkle your favorite nut - like walnuts or pecans - on top of casserole before adding topping. Or, layer the nuts in with the bread chunks.
- Layer sliced or cubed apples in with your bread.
- Beat a stick of softened cream cheese, then combine with ¼ cup powdered sugar and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla and beat until smooth. Add dollops of cream cheese mixture in between layers of bread.
French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or other crusty bread (day old)
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup cream or half and half
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 4 Tbsp butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
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Cut bread into cubes. Place in greased 9x13 pan.
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In medium bowl, mix together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
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Pour egg mixture evenly over bread.
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Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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For topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
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Cut butter into the dry topping ingredients with fork or pastry knife until it resembles crumbs. Store in a covered container in the fridge.
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Next morning, take pan out of fridge and sprinkle with crumb mixture.
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Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour. 45 minutes will yield a softer French toast and 1 hour will be crispier.
I know you will enjoy these delicious breakfast recipes too! They are so perfect for these cozy months of fall!
Baked French Toast Casserole by Ella Claire & Co. | Gourmet Vegetarian Breakfast Sandwich by French Country Cottage | Dutch Baby Pancakes with Peach Compote By Handmade Farmhouse
Salted Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns by Inspired by Charm | Maple Pecan Granola and Baked Pears by Zevy Joy
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