I remember those Saturday mornings. You know the ones. The family is hungry, everyone wants something special, and the thought of standing over a hot pan, flipping individual slices of French toast, just feels… exhausting.
You end up eating last, after everyone else is finished, and your “reward” is a sticky, buttery mess in the kitchen. There had to be a better way.
This Baked French Toast Casserole is that better way. It’s my go-to for holidays, lazy weekends, or any time I want a show-stopping breakfast without the morning chaos. All the work is done the night before, so you can actually sip your coffee and enjoy the morning with everyone else.
It’s a simple idea, really. You get all the golden, custardy goodness of classic French toast, but with a warm, gooey center and a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. Let’s get to it.
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You probably have most of these ingredients waiting for you right now.
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of sturdy, day-old bread (like French bread, challah, or brioche)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Required Tools
No fancy gadgets are needed here. Just your basic kitchen essentials.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Pro Tips
I’ve made this casserole more times than I can count. Here are a few hard-earned tips that make a real difference.
- Stale Bread is Your Best Friend. This is the most important rule. Fresh, soft bread will turn into a soggy mush. Day-old (or even two-day-old) bread is drier and acts like a sponge, soaking up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
- Don’t Rush the Soak. Give the bread plenty of time to absorb that delicious custard. A minimum of 4 hours is good, but letting it soak overnight in the fridge is the secret to a perfect texture. This allows the custard to penetrate every nook and cranny.
- Cold Butter for the Topping. For that irresistible, crumbly streusel, your butter must be cold. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the cold butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Warm butter will just melt and create a greasy paste.
- Let It Rest After Baking. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but let the casserole sit for at least 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the custard to set up, making it much easier to slice and serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This is where the magic happens. It’s mostly a game of mixing and waiting.
Step 1: Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Cut your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to make sure every piece is soaking in the custard. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Step 4: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, prepare the topping.
Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
Step 6: Uncover the baking dish and sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread.
Step 7: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to play around with it based on what you have or what you’re in the mood for.
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sturdy Bread | Challah, Brioche | These richer breads create a more decadent casserole. |
| Whole Milk | Any nut milk, oat milk | Makes it dairy-free. Full-fat versions work best. |
| Heavy Cream | Coconut cream, half-and-half | Half-and-half makes it a bit lighter. |
| Spices | Cardamom, Allspice | Add a pinch for a warmer, more complex flavor. |
Fun Variations to Try:
- Fruity Twist: Add 1 cup of blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches to the bread cubes before pouring the custard over.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Sprinkle a cup of chocolate chips over the bread along with the streusel topping.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra texture.
Nutrition, Pairings, and More
Let’s talk about how to fit this deliciousness into your life.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Please note these are estimates per serving, assuming the casserole is divided into 12 servings. Actual values will vary based on your specific ingredients.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 20g |
Ingredient Swaps for Different Diets
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread. Make sure it’s a sturdy loaf, and let it sit out for a day to get nice and dry.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the milk and heavy cream for full-fat oat milk and coconut cream. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for the topping and for greasing the dish.
- Lower Sugar: You can reduce the granulated sugar in the custard to 1/2 cup. For the topping, use a brown sugar substitute or reduce the amount. Serve with a sugar-free maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better as part of a full breakfast spread. Pair it with savory items like crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a simple side of scrambled eggs. A fresh fruit salad provides a lovely, light contrast.
Leftovers and Storage
If you somehow have leftovers, they are just as good the next day.
Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can enjoy it cold, or reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 60-90 seconds. For a crispier topping, reheat it in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My French toast casserole came out soggy. What went wrong?
Ans: This is a common issue! It’s usually caused by one of two things: your bread was too fresh and soft, or you didn’t let it soak long enough. Use stale, dry bread and aim for that overnight soak for the best results.
Q2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Ans: Yes, absolutely! You can freeze it baked or unbaked. To freeze unbaked, assemble it completely (without the topping), cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed. To freeze baked, let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Q3. Can I use regular sliced sandwich bread?
Ans: You can in a pinch, but I’d recommend against it. Sandwich bread is very soft and thin, so it tends to disintegrate and become mushy. If it’s all you have, be sure to let the slices dry out for a full day or two before cubing them.
Wrapping Up
There you have it. A recipe that transforms breakfast from a frantic rush into a warm, comforting, and shared experience. It’s more than just food; it’s a way to reclaim your weekend mornings.
I hope you give this Baked French Toast Casserole a try. Make it your own, add your favorite fruits or spices, and see how it changes your brunch game.
When you do, come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you or answer any questions you might have!
