Introduction
Have you ever wished you could enjoy the sweet, cozy taste of French toast without standing over the stove? French Toast Casserole makes that dream come true! It’s warm, soft, full of cinnamon flavor, and super easy to make. Instead of flipping slices in a pan, you just mix everything in one dish and bake it. Perfect for busy mornings, holidays, or when you want to treat your family to something special.
This casserole is like having breakfast and dessert all in one. You can even make it the night before, so it’s ready to bake in the morning. Let’s jump into the ingredients and see how you can make this yummy dish at home.
Ingredients – French Toast Casserole
Here’s everything you need to make French Toast Casserole:
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf of bread (like French bread, brioche, or challah – slightly stale is best)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream (or more milk if you don’t have cream)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter or spray (to grease the baking dish)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
Step by Step Process – French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Cut your loaf of bread into cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
- Place the cubes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them well.
- Add milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix until everything is combined.
Step 3: Pour It Over the Bread
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
- Press the bread down gently so it soaks up the liquid.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes.
- Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it forms crumbly pieces.
- Store it in the fridge if making ahead.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the middle is set.
- If it starts browning too fast, cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or your favorite fruits.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
| Sugar | 15 grams |
| Fat | 15 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Cholesterol | 145 mg |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Yes! You can use any bread you have, but thicker bread like brioche or French bread gives the best texture. If your bread is fresh, leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit—it soaks up the egg mixture better that way.
Q2: Can I make it without the crumb topping?
Absolutely. The crumb topping adds a sweet crunch, but the casserole still tastes great without it.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. You can prepare everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Let the casserole cool completely. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q5: Can I freeze French Toast Casserole?
Yes. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It’s best to freeze it before baking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Final Thoughts
French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy way to turn a classic breakfast into something special. It’s warm, sweet, comforting, and perfect for holidays, brunch with friends, or just a cozy weekend at home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can make this—even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen!
So go ahead, grab that loaf of bread, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this tasty baked breakfast. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
