1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole

Featured in Start Your Day Right.

This French Toast Casserole takes the classic breakfast favorite to new heights. Made with day-old challah bread soaked in a rich custard of eggs, milk, vanilla, and warm spices, then topped with a buttery brown sugar and pecan crunch. You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, making it perfect for lazy weekends or holiday brunches. The result is a perfectly balanced dish - crispy on top, soft and custardy inside, with just the right amount of sweetness. Serve it warm with maple syrup for a breakfast that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:45:49 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
French Toast Casserole Pin it
French Toast Casserole | recipebyme.com

A French toast casserole transforms ordinary bread into something magical. This breakfast sensation combines buttery bread pieces soaked in a rich custard, crowned with a golden, nutty topping that creates an irresistible contrast of textures. The beauty lies in its simplicity – prepare it the night before, and wake up to an incredible breakfast that fills your home with the warm scent of vanilla and cinnamon.

My family gathers around this casserole every holiday season. The anticipation builds as the aroma fills our home, and watching everyone's faces light up with the first bite makes all the preparation worthwhile.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Artisanal bread: Choose challah, brioche, or sourdough, giving them 1–2 days to slightly dry out for optimal custard absorption
  • Farm fresh eggs: Create the silky custard base. Look for deep orange yolks for the richest color and flavor
  • Whole milk or cream: Delivers unmatched richness. Alternative milks work well, but full-fat dairy creates the most luxurious texture
  • Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth. Select Madagascar bourbon vanilla for its superior flavor profile
  • Fresh ground spices: Elevate the entire dish. Store whole nutmeg and cinnamon, grinding just before use

Creating Your Masterpiece

Bread Preparation:
Slice your chosen bread into generous chunks, allowing the pieces to maintain their character while soaking up the custard mixture.
Custard Creation:
Combine the eggs and milk until perfectly smooth, introducing warm spices and vanilla to create an aromatic base that will transform the bread overnight.
Assembly Process:
Layer the bread carefully, ensuring even distribution and complete coverage with the custard mixture, setting the stage for uniform baking.
Topping Application:
Crown your creation with a mixture of brown sugar and pecans, creating a caramelized top that will become irresistibly crispy during baking.
Final Baking:
Transform your preparation into golden perfection, watching for the moment when the top becomes crispy while maintaining that desired custardy center.
Easy French Toast Casserole Pin it
Easy French Toast Casserole | recipebyme.com

Growing up, my grandmother always insisted on using day-old brioche, claiming it created the perfect canvas for the custard. After years of making this recipe, I've found her wisdom to be absolutely true.

Perfect Pairings

Create a memorable spread by serving your casserole alongside fresh berry compote, warmed maple syrup, and freshly whipped cream. Consider offering a savory counterpoint with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages.

Creative Adaptations

Transform this classic by incorporating orange zest for citrus brightness, or swap pecans for toasted almonds. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk creates an equally luxurious result while adding subtle tropical notes.

Keeping It Fresh

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container, where it maintains its delicious qualities for up to three days. Refresh individual portions in a warm oven to restore the crispy top.

Close-up French Toast Casserole Recipe Pin it
Close-up French Toast Casserole Recipe | recipebyme.com

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found it brings people together like few other dishes can. The combination of familiar flavors and effortless preparation makes it my go-to for special gatherings, where it never fails to inspire second helpings and recipe requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before and refrigerate overnight. Just add the topping right before baking in the morning.
→ What's the best bread to use for French Toast Casserole?
Challah bread is ideal, but you can also use brioche or French bread. The bread should be 1-2 days old for best results.
→ How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
→ Can I freeze French Toast Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warm.
→ What can I serve with French Toast Casserole?
Serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh fruit and bacon make great side dishes.

French Toast Casserole

A warm and cozy French Toast Casserole that transforms ordinary bread into a delightful breakfast treat with a crispy, sweet pecan topping.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Sana


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 1 loaf challah bread (about 1½ pounds, 1-2 days old), cut into 1-inch cubes
02 5 large eggs
03 1½ cups milk
04 2 tablespoons brown sugar
05 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
06 1 teaspoon cinnamon
07 ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
08 ¼ teaspoon sea salt
09 Unsalted butter or coconut oil, for greasing the pan

→ Crunchy Topping

10 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
11 2 tablespoons brown sugar
12 ½ cup chopped pecans

→ For Serving

13 Pure maple syrup

Instructions

Step 01

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes.

Step 03

Let the casserole stand for 30 minutes at room temperature so the bread can soak up all the custard. For best results, you can cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 04

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 05

Drizzle the melted butter over the soaked bread, then sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 10-20 more minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 06

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

  1. This cozy breakfast casserole combines the best of French toast in an easy-to-serve format. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches!
  2. Can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans)
  • Contains wheat