This French Toast Casserole is everything you love about classic French toast, baked into a warm, custardy, golden-topped dish. Perfect for holidays, brunch parties, or lazy Sunday mornings, it’s easy to prep ahead and even easier to devour. Top with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar!
✨ Why You’ll Love This
✔ Prep the night before – wake up and bake
✔ No soggy bread thanks to the perfect custard ratio
✔ Two textures – creamy center + crunchy topping
✔ Feeds a crowd in one dish
Yields: 8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 8 hours (or overnight)
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, such as challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the bread.
Tear or cut the loaf of bread into 1-inch cubes. You should have approximately 8 cups of bread cubes. Slightly stale bread works best as it soaks up the custard without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half-and-half, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and the sugars are dissolved.
Step 3: Combine bread and custard.
Place the bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
Step 4: Press down on the bread.
Gently press down on the bread cubes with the back of a spoon or spatula to ensure they are fully submerged in the custard.
Step 5: Chill overnight.
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
Step 6: Preheat oven and drizzle with butter.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Step 8: Let it rest and serve.
Let the French toast casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit more. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries.
Tips
✅ No brioche? Use croissants for extra buttery flavor
✅ Crispier topping: Broil last 2 minutes (watch closely!)
✅ Make-ahead: Freeze unbaked casserole up to 1 month
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Calories 380 | Protein 9g | Carbs 42g |
| Sugar 22g | Fat 20g | Vegetarian ✔ |
🍽 Serving Ideas
Brunch Spread: Pair with crispy bacon & mimosas
Holiday Breakfast: Serve with Eggs Benedict
Dessert Mode: Top with vanilla ice cream
Enjoy your delicious homemade French Toast Casserole!
THANK YOU for Visiting Savory Life Recipes!
👉 If you loved this recipe, please share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram!
