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!
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.
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!
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
How to Make French Toast Casserole – Step by Step
- 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.
- Next you’ll add in your bread cubes, then pour a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla over the top.
- 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!
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.
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.
More Delicious Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
French Toast Casserole
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
Shannon says
Quick and easy and yummy
Harmony, Momma To Go says
I have all these items on hand! Looks so much easier than French Toast!
Nadalie Bardo says
OMG this is one of those too good to be true meals! Like how can this be a casserole! Can’t wait to try!
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
Wow, this is amazing! The entire family loved it, can’t wait to make it again. It was so easy too!!!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What a lovely breakfast or brunch dish! I’m not good at making standard French toast, but this looks easy to put together!
Amanda says
This looks so rich and SO delicious. Perfect for Fall and Winter!
Mahnoor says
I love French toast, and this recipe is so creative!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I woke up hungry, and I think I might be making this casserole this morning! It looks amazing – both for a special brunch, or a Tuesday 🙂
Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat. says
Yum, yum, yum! I love french toast and I love not a lot of dishes, so this sounds like a winner!
Deborah Brooks says
I just love French Toast Bakes! This looks delish can’t wait to try it
Paddy Bateman says
This was spot on DELICIOUS! Kept coming back to the pan to munch and “straighten the edges!” So yummy and followed directions, only I used 1% milk instead of 2% or whole milk, and it made no difference. cant wait to have another meal of it. Thank you! Definitely a hit in this house. Would make a wonderful treat for Boxing Day when the family comes over! You outdid yourself with this one!
Rebecca says
What brand of sourdough bread do you use?
Ashlyn Edwards says
I usually just buy it from the bakery section at my local grocery store, which is usually HEB!
Sarah Althouse says
YUmmy! This looks perfect for a weekend
Monica Simpson says
This would make the perfect Christmas morning breakfast! I love French Toast and all the different ways of making it.
Marta says
I’m always scoping out new recipes to make for our busy mornings. I love a great casserole dish, so this is going on my list.
Mimi says
Such a yummy treat, I haven’t had french toast in so long
Amber Myers says
I am SO excited to make this for breakfast. It looks and sounds incredible. We love French Toast!
Lisa Favre says
Hands down, breakfast is my all-time favorite meal. This French Toast Casserole is definitely up my alley – looks so great!
Mimi says
I actually never had french toast so this would be an amazing way to try it
Iryna says
I wouldn’t mild for all my Sundays to start with this French toast casserole. Looks easy to make and delicious!
Liz says
This looks SO good! such a fun idea for brunch! I can’t wait to have some friends over and make this!
Sapana says
I love french toast but have never made it as a casserole – boy was I missing out! So delicious and easy to make!
Traci says
What a gorgeous breakfast recipe! This is a must for every brunch gathering. Great with mimosas!
Emmeine says
This looks delicious!! Definitely making it for my next brunch!