French Toast Casserole (Easy, Baked & Perfect for a Crowd)

If you love classic French toast but don’t love standing at the stove flipping slices one by one, this recipe is for you. French Toast Casserole gives you all the cozy, sweet flavors of French toast without the hassle.

This baked version is soft and custardy inside, lightly crispy on top, and filled with warm cinnamon flavor. It’s perfect for busy mornings, family breakfasts, holidays, or brunch with guests. The best part? You can prep it ahead of time and simply bake when you’re ready.

Once you try French toast casserole, it quickly becomes a go-to recipe. It feels special, looks impressive, and tastes like something from a bakery yet it’s made with simple pantry ingredients.

Let’s get into it ✨

---

Why You’ll Love This French Toast Casserole

This recipe is popular for a reason.

✔ Feeds a crowd easily
✔ No standing at the stove
✔ Perfect for make-ahead mornings
✔ Soft, creamy center with golden edges
✔ Easy to customize with fruits or nuts

👉 Key Point: One baking dish = less mess, less stress.

---

What Is French Toast Casserole?

French toast casserole is a baked breakfast dish made by soaking bread cubes in a sweet egg-and-milk mixture, then baking it in the oven until golden and set.

Instead of cooking each slice separately, everything bakes together making it faster, easier, and more hands-off.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe.

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf bread (brioche, challah, or sandwich bread)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping

• 2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)
• Optional: chopped nuts, raisins, or fruit

👉 Tip: Slightly stale bread works best. Fresh bread can turn mushy.

---

Best Bread for French Toast Casserole

The bread choice really matters here.

Best options:

• Brioche (rich and soft)
• Challah (slightly sweet)
• Texas toast (thick slices)

Avoid very thin or soft bread it won’t hold its shape well.

---

How to Make French Toast Casserole (Step-by-Step)

This method is very beginner-friendly.

---

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or oil.

Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly in the dish.

👉 Attention Trick: Uneven bread pieces create texture crispy corners and soft centers.

---

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk until everything is fully combined.

---

Step 3: Pour & Soak

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes.

Press the bread down gently so all pieces absorb the liquid.

👉 Key Point: Make sure there are no dry spots.

---

Step 4: Add the Topping

Scatter small butter pieces over the top.

You can also add:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Raisins
• Apple or banana slices

---

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until:

• The top is golden
• The center is set
• Your kitchen smells amazing 😍

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

---

How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole

This is where the recipe really shines.

To make ahead:

1. Assemble everything as instructed
2. Cover tightly with foil
3. Refrigerate overnight

In the morning:

• Remove from fridge
• Let sit 10 minutes
• Bake as usual

👉 Key Benefit: Perfect for holidays and busy mornings.

---

How to Get the Perfect Texture

Want bakery-style results? Follow these tips:

• Use thick bread
• Don’t skip the resting time
• Bake until fully set
• Let it cool slightly before cutting

Soft inside + crispy top = perfection

---

Delicious Topping Ideas

French toast casserole is like a blank canvas.

Classic toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Butter

Fresh options:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Bananas

Extra indulgent:

• Whipped cream
• Caramel drizzle
• Cream cheese glaze

👉 Attention Tip: Add toppings after baking for the best look and texture.

---

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Too Soggy?

✔ Use stale bread
✔ Bake long enough

Too Dry?

✔ Add a splash more milk
✔ Cover loosely with foil halfway

Burnt Top?

✔ Tent with foil if browning too fast

Small fixes = big improvement.

---

Storage & Reheating Tips

This casserole stores very well.

To store:

• Refrigerate in airtight container
• Keeps for up to 3 days

To reheat:

• Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes
• Microwave: quick but softer texture

---

Easy Variations You’ll Love

Once you try the classic version, experiment!

• Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
• Blueberry French Toast Bake
• Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole
• Dairy-Free Version (use plant milk)

Perfect for repeating without boredom.

---

Why French Toast Casserole Is a Crowd Favorite

This dish feels comforting and special at the same time. It’s the kind of breakfast that brings everyone to the table and makes mornings feel slower and warmer.

Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a make-ahead weekday treat, French toast casserole always delivers.

---

Final Thoughts

If you want a breakfast that’s easy, cozy, and guaranteed to impress this is it. French toast casserole gives you all the flavor of classic French toast with half the effort.

Save it, make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again 💛

Also read on Classic French Toast Recipe