Delicious French Toast Casserole To Brighten Your Morning

I remember the exact moment I fell head over heels for this French Toast Casserole. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and I was hunting for a breakfast that felt cozy but didn’t require me to babysit a pan full of sticky, soggy bread. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through my kitchen got me thinking—why not make an overnight French toast bake that I could just pop in the oven and forget about until it was time to eat? This baked custard bread pudding was a total game-changer for my weekends.

This French Toast Casserole isn’t just breakfast; it’s like an easy hug from the oven. The way the bread soaks up the custard mixture overnight and then browns just right in the morning is pure magic. The balance of rich eggs, sweet cinnamon, and that hint of vanilla makes each bite feel like a treat, yet it’s far from complicated. It fits perfectly into my foodie life because it’s a breakfast casserole that delivers big on flavor without the fuss—and bonus, it’s a sweet casserole breakfast that’s ready to go when I am.

I love how this egg bread bake has that golden, crispy top but stays beautifully soft inside. It’s that kind of comfort food you want to share, whether it’s a casual Sunday morning or a holiday brunch. Friends always ask me to make it again, and honestly, I never mind because it’s one of those recipes that that hits the spot every single time. If you’re anything like me and appreciate breakfast dishes that combine ease with that crowd-pleaser vibe, you just have to try this French Toast Casserole. Get ready to fall in love, friends—it’s a kitchen win waiting to happen!

8 cups cubed bread (day-old white or brioche works best)
Out of brioche? No problem, challah or even a rustic sourdough adds great texture here.

6 large eggs
You can swap in 5 large eggs and 1/2 cup of milk if you want it a bit lighter.

2 cups whole milk
Grab this at any grocery store; if you want to go dairy-free, almond or oat milk works well too.

3/4 cup granulated sugar
Feel free to reduce this a bit or swap half with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pure vanilla makes a big difference here—your nose will thank you!

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
You can double it up if you love cinnamon like I do.

1/2 teaspoon salt
Balances the sweetness perfectly.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
I always add a little extra on top before baking for that golden crust.

Optional: powdered sugar and maple syrup for serving

This French Toast Casserole keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. It’s kind to your wallet too since most ingredients are pantry staples you likely already have on hand. A quick tip: cubing your bread a day before and letting it dry out helps it soak up that custard like a dream. Leftovers store beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 3 days, and if you want to stretch this recipe, doubling it is a breeze!

1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This sets the stage for that perfect French Toast Casserole crust.

2. Cube your bread into roughly 1-inch pieces and toss them evenly in the baking dish. Don’t overcrowd—spread them out so each piece can soak up the custard.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This custard base is what turns your bread into a sweet casserole breakfast dream.

4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to help the bread soak up all those flavors. This is the step where I remind myself to be patient—a good overnight French toast bake needs time to meld flavors.

5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge overnight—or at least 4 hours if you’re short on time. This soak is the secret to that perfect custard-soaked texture.

6. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off.

7. Drizzle the melted butter evenly on top for that golden finish. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible right about now—hello, cozy vibes!

8. If your French Toast Casserole looks bubbly and slightly toasted around the edges, you’re right on track. If it feels a bit wet in the middle, no worries—just let it cool briefly; it will firm up.

9. Once baked, dust with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup, fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream.

From start to finish, this French Toast Casserole comes together in about an hour, but the hands-off soak overnight makes it an amazing grab-and-go breakfast. While it’s baking, pour yourself something delicious and take a moment—it deserves it!

This French Toast Casserole truly shines when you serve it with fresh fruit or a simple side of crispy bacon. The salty crunch plays perfectly against the sweet baked custard bread pudding, creating that breakfast balance everyone loves. For a festive spread, pair it alongside a festive green bean casserole like this homemade green bean casserole I adore. This sweet casserole breakfast also pairs well with a light salad if you’re leaning towards brunch vibes.

My absolute favorite way to enjoy this French Toast Casserole is on a lazy weekend morning with a big cup of coffee or when we’re having people over. It’s such an effortless crowd-pleaser that everyone always wants the recipe afterward. Presentation-wise, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a smattering of fresh berries make it look as good as it tastes without any extra fuss.

Got leftovers? Turn your French Toast Casserole into French Toast Muffins by scooping the cold bites into muffin tins and warming them up for a quick snack. Bonus: this breakfast casserole also works well as a sweet dessert! You can even try seasonal twists by stirring in some pumpkin puree or apple chunks before baking for a fall-inspired version. It’s so rewarding to share and tweak this egg bread bake with family and friends—it’s become our go-to breakfast staple!

Can I prep parts of this French Toast Casserole ahead?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this overnight French toast bake—the soaking overnight step really makes the flavors pop. Prep it the night before your brunch and bake in the morning for zero stress.

What’s a good swap for whole milk in this French Toast Casserole?
I’ve used almond, oat, and even coconut milk when I wanted a dairy-free twist, and it came out great each time. Just pick unsweetened versions to keep the balance right.

Can I make this French Toast Casserole for more or fewer people?
Without a doubt. This egg bread bake scales easily. Just keep the ratio of ingredients consistent and adjust your baking dish size—doubling works for bigger groups.

Is there a difference between this and bread pudding?
Funny you ask! While this French Toast Casserole is similar to baked custard bread pudding, it’s less sweet and specifically seasoned with cinnamon and vanilla, giving it that bright, breakfast-friendly flavor. If you want to nerd out on the details, this Reddit thread breaks it down nicely.

Can I add mix-ins or toppings?
Totally! Nuts, fresh or dried fruit, and even chocolate chips work wonders. I’ve tried it with chopped pecans and it’s a hit. Just fold them in before you pour the custard over the bread.

What happens if I don’t soak it overnight?
It’ll still be good but less custardy and more like traditional French toast texture. That soak lets every bite get beautifully tender which I always aim for.

How should I store leftovers?
Cover leftover French Toast Casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the oven or microwave until heated through.

This recipe’s charm extends beyond just the bake—I’m always thrilled when friends share their too! Speaking of sharing, if you’re looking for more breakfast casseroles, you can peek at this Christmas breakfast casserole on You’re Everyday Foodie. Also, Paula Deen famously serves her version at every holiday, which you might find inspiring right here.

This French Toast Casserole has a special spot in my foodie heart because it’s the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity. I always look forward to that mix of crunchy top crust and soft, custardy center—a total breakfast win.

My Top French Toast Casserole Tips:

• Use day-old bread to help soak up all that custard magic.
• Don’t skip the overnight soak—it’s the key to tender, flavorful bites.
• Butter on top before baking creates that irresistible golden crust.

I’ve enjoyed some fun variations too: a pumpkin spice twist for fall, adding fresh berries for summer, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence. My most requested version remains the classic cinnamon-vanilla combo because it’s reliable and timeless.

Friends, I encourage you to make this French Toast Casserole your own. Tweak the spices, try different breads, or sneak in your favorite mix-ins. It’s all about finding your happy place in this egg bread bake. I hope you love how this recipe brings a little cozy joy and sweetness to your mornings. Now go on—grab that bread and make this French Toast Casserole because your best breakfast ever is just around the corner!

If you want more baked French toast ideas, check out The Pioneer Woman’s baked French toast recipe for another spin that’s equally awesome!