French Toast Casserole Recipe

There’s something truly special about a breakfast that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

This French toast casserole is exactly that, a dish that turns your morning meal into a cozy, shareable event.

Why This Recipe is a Brunch Game-Changer

Say goodbye to the frantic flipping of individual slices at the stove.

This method lets you create a stunning, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal effort, and a whole lot of reward.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• Bread – A sturdy loaf like challah or brioche provides a solid foundation that soaks up the custard without turning to mush.
• Eggs – They are the heart of the rich, custardy texture that makes this casserole so decadent.
• Milk – This adds the necessary moisture, creating a luscious base for the custard to form.
• Brown Sugar – It brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that white sugar just can’t match.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla Extract – This trio is responsible for the warm, aromatic flavor that fills your kitchen.
• Butter or Coconut Oil – A drizzle over the top helps everything crisp up into a beautiful, golden crust.
• Pecans – They offer a delightful, nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior.
• Sea Salt – A pinch is essential to balance the sweetness and make all the other flavors pop.
• Maple Syrup – For serving, because that final drizzle is non-negotiable.

How to make French Toast Casserole?

Step 1- Prep the Bread and Pan

Start by cutting your loaf of bread into generous, one-inch cubes.

A lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish is the perfect vessel to hold them all.

Step 2- Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

You’re aiming for a perfectly smooth, homogenous mixture, where all the spices are fully incorporated.

Step 3- Soak the Bread

Pour your custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes waiting in the dish.

Don’t worry about coating every single speck, a few dry spots will become wonderfully crispy later.

Step 4- The Waiting Game

This is where the magic happens. You can cover and refrigerate the dish overnight for a true make-ahead marvel.

Or, if you’re baking today, just let it rest on the counter for about 30 minutes so the bread can drink it all in.

Step 5- Add Topping and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Drizzle the melted butter over the casserole, then sprinkle the brown sugar and pecans.

Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncover for 10-20 more, until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 6- Rest and Serve

Let the casserole stand for a brief 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven.

This allows everything to settle, making it easier to slice and serve with that glorious maple syrup.

Choosing Your Perfect Bread

Stale bread is the secret weapon here, believe it or not.

Slightly dried-out bread has a remarkable ability to absorb more of the egg mixture, leading to a supremely moist and tender final product.

Challah and brioche are top-tier choices for their rich, eggy texture.

A crusty sourdough or French bread also works beautifully, adding a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness.

Tips

• For the best texture, intentionally let your bread sit out, uncovered, for a day before you begin.
• If you’re using a glass baking dish, remember that it retains heat wonderfully, so your casserole will continue to cook a bit even after it’s out of the oven.
• Don’t skip the resting period after baking; it gives the custard a final chance to set up perfectly.
• Feel free to get creative with the nut topping—walnuts or almonds would be a delicious alternative to pecans.

Make It Your Own: Fun Variations

Stir a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the bread cubes before adding the custard.

The little bursts of fruit are a delightful surprise in every single bite.

For a taste reminiscent of coffee cake, mix a half cup of brown sugar with a teaspoon of cinnamon and sprinkle it between layers of bread.

You could even add a handful of chocolate chips for a truly decadent, dessert-for-breakfast treat.

Serving Your Masterpiece

This casserole is designed to be a star, but it plays well with others.

For a full feast, pair it with something savory like crispy bacon or a simple frittata.

A bright, fresh fruit salad on the side provides a lovely, refreshing contrast.

And of course, a pot of strong coffee or a pitcher of mimosas completes the entire brunch experience.

Print Recipe

French Toast Casserole Recipe

Author: Kelsey Perez Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Cooking Temp: 175  C Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 380

Best Season: Winter, Spring, Fall

Description

This overnight French toast casserole is the perfect breakfast for a crowd! It's simple and delicious, with a crisp pecan-brown sugar topping and a custardy, cinnamon-spiced middle. Assemble it the night before, then bake it fresh in the morning for a stress-free, show-stopping brunch.

Ingredients

Servings

Main Ingredients

• 1 loaf challah bread (about 1½ pounds, 1–2 days old, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 5 large eggs
• 1.5 cups milk (whole, almond, or oat milk)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (for custard base)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon (ground)
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated preferred)
• 0.25 tsp sea salt

Topping

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or coconut oil, melted)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)
• 0.5 cup chopped pecans

For Serving

• maple syrup (for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or coconut oil. Place the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until smooth.
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down the bread to help it absorb the liquid. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours). If baking the same day, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Remove the casserole from the fridge (if chilled) and drizzle melted butter over the top. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar and chopped pecans.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
7. Let the casserole rest, loosely covered with foil, for 10 minutes before serving.
8. Serve warm with maple syrup, and optional powdered sugar or fresh fruit.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 380kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 7g35%

Cholesterol 145mg49%

Sodium 380mg16%

Potassium 210mg6%

Total Carbohydrate 42g15%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 22g

Protein 11g22%

---

Calcium 130 mg

Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Best bread: Use slightly stale challah, brioche, sourdough, or French bread—but avoid soft sandwich bread.
• Make it nut-free: Omit pecans or replace with oats or seeds.
• Dairy-free option: Use almond, oat, or soy milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
• Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: french toast casserole, overnight french toast, baked french toast, brunch casserole, easy breakfast casserole, make-ahead french toast