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Home > Breads/Grains > French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole

By Ashlyn Edwards August 3, 2020 58 Comments

Breads/GrainsBreakfastMain Dish

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
a white baking dish full of french toast casserole with a spoon

Make your mornings special with this easy French Toast Casserole. It has everything you love about traditional French Toast, and is baked all in one pan!

a white plate with french toast casserole and syrup poured over the top

When I was growing up, my older sisters did a lot of the cooking. They each had their own specialties, and my younger brother and I always looked forward to their meals.

One of our favorites is French Toast, and to this day my sister makes it better than anyone I know. Since we are separated by lots of land, I don’t get to scarf down her French Toast as much as I would like.

a white baking dish full of french toast casserole with a spoon

But I have found that no matter if you’re missing your family or simply just the food of your memories, sometimes the only solution is to head to the kitchen and get a little creative.

I’m telling you right now that this French Toast Casserole is so good, you may find yourself wanting it for not only breakfast, but also for your lunch, midday snack, dinner, and dessert as well!

a white plate with french toast casserole and a fork holding a small portion

You will make the bottom layer with brown sugar and melted butter, and it is just absolutely swoon-worthy!

Ingredients to make French Toast Casserole

  • french bread
  • butter
  • brown sugar
  • eggs
  • milk
  • vanilla extract
  • cinnamon
  • powdered sugar

ingredients for french toast casserole

How to Make French Toast Casserole – Step by Step

  1. You’ll start out with half a loaf of French Bread and then cut it into cubes. I am going to be a stickler for this one, because while you could substitute other breads, it really just won’t have that perfect flavor and texture. After you chop up the bread, then next melt some butter in a small sauce pan and stir in a cup of brown sugar. This is the bottom layer of your French Toast Casserole and it gives it an amazing caramelly flavor once it’s been baked.a white baking dish full of sauce
  2. Next you’ll add in your bread cubes, then pour a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla over the top.a white baking dish full of cubed french bread
  3. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, and you are on your way to one of the most yummy breakfasts you’ll ever sink a fork in to! Really, I mean it!

a white baking dish full of french toast casserole

Tips and Notes

Which bread is best for French Toast Casserole?

I prefer to use french bread, and it’s best if the bread is dry and not too soft. This allows it to soak up the yummy sauce from the casserole better and prevents the the french toast from becoming too soggy. If time allows, cut your french bread into cubes and place in a single layer on a cookie sheet over-night or for around 12 hours to help the bread dry out before baking.

You could also use sourdough, brioche, or Italian bread in this recipe, but like I said french bread is my favorite!

Can French Toast Casserole be Frozen?

Yes! Make the casserole in a freezer safe baking dish (such as a disposable aluminum foil pan) and bake as directed, then allow it to cool completely. Wrap in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. Allow the casserole to defrost completely in the refrigerator for roughly 24 hours before baking. Reheat the casserole, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

a white plate with french toast casserole

Can this be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, and that’s one reason why I love it for the holidays! It makes a great Christmas morning breakfast because you can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven to bake while you open presents! Simply prepare as directed up until the final baking step. Cover the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed in the morning!

Gluten Free and Dairy Free Options

This recipe can be made with gluten free french bread, and can also be made dairy-free by substituting the butter and milk. You can replace the butter with either coconut oil or dairy free butter, and the milk with your favorite dairy free substitute like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. All of these substitutions would be a 1:1 ratio.

a white baking dish full of french toast casserole

More Delicious Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

  • Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake
  • Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups
  • Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole

 

a white plate with french toast casserole and syrup poured over the top

French Toast Casserole

Make your mornings special with this easy French Toast Casserole. It has everything you love about traditional French Toast, and is baked all in one pan!
4.97 from 29 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 382kcal
Author: Ashlyn Edwards | Belle of the Kitchen

Ingredients

  • ½ a loaf of French bread, (about 8 oz) cut into cubes
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, for topping
  • powdered sugar for topping, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Butter a 13x9 inch baking pan and set aside.
  • In a small sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Once butter has melted, stir in brown sugar until dissolved and mixture is smooth. Pour mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 pan and spread evenly.
  • Add bread cubes to the pan, spreading over the top of the brown sugar/butter mixture.
  • In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Pour egg mixture over the top of bread cubes, insuring that all pieces of bread are saturated. Sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until top is golden brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Best Bread to Use: I prefer to use french bread for this recipe, and it's best if the bread is dry and not too soft. This allows it to soak up the yummy sauce from the casserole better and prevents the the french toast from becoming too soggy. If time allows, cut your french bread into cubes and place in a single layer on a cookie sheet over-night or for around 12 hours to help the bread dry out before baking. You could also use sourdough, brioche, or Italian bread in this recipe, but like I said french bread is my favorite!
  • Freezer Option: This can be frozen by making the casserole in a freezer safe baking dish (such as a disposable aluminum foil pan) and bake as directed, then allow it to cool completely. Wrap in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. Allow the casserole to defrost completely in the refrigerator for roughly 24 hours before baking. Reheat the casserole, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
  • Make Ahead Option: This recipe can be made in advance and makes a great holiday breakfast or a great option for busy mornings. Simply prepare as directed up until the final baking step. Cover the unbaked casserole with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed in the morning.
  • Gluten Free and Dairy Free Options: This recipe can be made with gluten free french bread, and can also be made dairy-free by substituting the butter and milk. You can replace the butter with either coconut oil or dairy free butter, and the milk with your favorite dairy free substitute like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. All of these substitutions would be a 1:1 ratio.

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 159mg | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 198mg | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 630IU | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 1.8mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen or tag #BelleoftheKitchen

 

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Comments

  1. Angela says

    August 18, 2019 at 7:15 am

    5 stars
    What a simple and delicious recipe! So easy to make and my whole family devoured it! Definitely making again. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Paula Montenegro says

    August 18, 2019 at 7:14 am

    5 stars
    This is like my favorite idea of breakfast and dessert (french toast and bread pudding) all in one! Thanks for sharing this idea. This recipe is going straight to my make-now list!

    Reply
  3. Alina | Cooking Journey Blog says

    August 18, 2019 at 7:05 am

    5 stars
    It’s been a while since the last time I’ve made French toast. Thanks for reminding, I need to try your recipe and to with seasonal berries.

    Reply
  4. Michelle Miller says

    August 18, 2019 at 6:35 am

    5 stars
    Such a cozy breakfast! Love a baked version of French toast. I’d make it with gluten free bread but I’d definitely make it!

    Reply
  5. Sylvie says

    August 18, 2019 at 3:37 am

    5 stars
    This french toast casserole looks so delicious, and even better… sooo easy!! No need to worry about frying them individually, love it!

    Reply
  6. Kim says

    January 1, 2019 at 8:45 pm

    4 stars
    Is the bread soggy at all when it comes out of the oven? I have issues with the texture of soggy bread like in bread pudding.

    It looks and sounds amazing so if it comes out without the sog factor, I’M IN!!

    Reply
    • Ashlyn says

      February 1, 2019 at 8:56 am

      Hi Kim, nope I don’t find it soggy at all. It gets a bit crispy on the top, actually!

      Reply
  7. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

    November 21, 2018 at 5:56 am

    5 stars
    Wow this sounds absolutely amazing! What a delicious breakfast option

    Reply
    • Shell says

      August 16, 2019 at 4:42 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for a church function, and is definitely a keeper! With my kids and husband– I am sure it will be made often!

      Reply
  8. Claudia Lamascolo says

    November 21, 2018 at 5:19 am

    5 stars
    what a wonderful comforting breakfast for the kiddos to wake up to Christmas morning lovely!

    Reply
  9. Michelle says

    November 21, 2018 at 1:55 am

    5 stars
    This could easily become my favourite breakfast! It looks and sounds delicious. We usually make something special on Sunday mornings so I’m going to try this, I’m sure my family will love it.

    Reply
  10. Natalie says

    November 21, 2018 at 1:27 am

    5 stars
    WOW this French toast looks so delicious and perfect for brunch!

    Reply
  11. Judy says

    March 11, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Can this be prepared night before and baked the next morning?

    Reply
  12. Joann says

    February 20, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    5 stars
    I made the French Toast Casserole recipe this morning for my son-in-law’s birthday brunch. It was easy and delicious!! I bought a loaf of French Brioche thick sliced bread I found at Sprouts, never saw this bread before. Everyone raved about how good it was. I made sure that all the cubes of bread were saturated with the egg/milk mixture before baking. Tonight I warmed a leftover piece (there were two small pieces left) and then topped it with vanilla ice cream – OMGosh unbelievably good. I will never make individual pieces of french toast again, not when this delicious casserole is so easy, and it tastes better than my french toast.

    Reply
  13. Carol Trotta says

    April 16, 2015 at 9:10 am

    Delicious, my daughter made it, but in trying to write down recipe, I can’t find an oven temp?! Daughter is unreachable for awhile! Please help!

    Reply
  14. RandiG @frugelegance says

    February 18, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    Wow! Look amazing!!!

    Reply
  15. Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says

    February 18, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    Wow I love this, looks so yummy too!

    Reply
  16. Diana Rambles says

    February 18, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    This looks so good!!

    Reply
  17. Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me says

    February 18, 2015 at 3:13 am

    I love French Toast, but can’t remember the last time that I made it. I think this casserole could change all that. My boys will be thrilled to have this for breakfast Sunday morning.

    Reply
  18. amanda @ fake ginger says

    February 17, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    Mmm, I love breakfasts like this! I’m gonna have to make it for my kids soon. Also, so jealous that you live in Hawaii.

    Reply
  19. Heather | girlichef says

    February 17, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    I’m pretty sure this casserole wouldn’t make it to a plate – I’d stick a fork right in it and go to town. Sounds wonderful!

    Reply
  20. Deb @ Cooking on the Front Burner says

    February 17, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    I love one dish meals – this one is perfect for breakfast!

    Reply
  21. Becky | The Cookie Rookie says

    February 17, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    French Toast Casserole is one of my favorite things!! This one looks like perfection!

    Reply
  22. Laura @ Petite Allergy Treats says

    February 17, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I wish I grew up eating with older siblings that cooked! This french toast casserole looks and sounds amazing. 🙂

    Reply
  23. Melanie | Melanie Makes says

    February 17, 2015 at 8:39 am

    Such a warm and comforting breakfast treat, Ashlyn!

    Reply
  24. Jeanine says

    February 17, 2015 at 7:48 am

    LOVE french toast, and baked in a casserole, even better!

    Reply
  25. Sara @ Bitz & Giggles says

    February 17, 2015 at 6:57 am

    What an awesome way to serve a crowd at breakfast! Much easier than spending all morning in front of the burner! I’m in!

    Reply
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Welcome!

Ashlyn from Belle of the Kitchen smiling for the cameraWell hello! I'm Ashlyn, and I'm so glad you're here! I hope you're hungry, cause I've got lots of family-friendly eats and treats just waiting for you! I'm a wife, mama, taco lover, and am blessed to be living in the great state of Texas. I love the south, cold brew coffee, Georgia football, cooking, and EATING!

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