French Toast Breakfast Casserole

For a breakfast that feels indulgent but supports your goals, this recipe leans on protein-rich eggs and whole grains. My French Toast Breakfast Casserole delivers all the custardy sweetness you crave, without the morning sugar crash. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular Saturday into a small celebration, filling the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and baked bread long before anyone’s fully awake.

I started making this French Toast Breakfast Casserole years ago, out of sheer necessity. We had a house full of weekend guests, a loaf of slightly stale challah, and zero desire to stand at the stove flipping slices for an hour. The solution? Layer everything in a dish, pour over a rich custard, and let the oven do the work. The result was magic—a crisp, buttery top giving way to a soft, almost pudding-like center. It was an instant hit, and it’s been my secret weapon for effortless hosting ever since. This recipe is for anyone who loves the comfort of French toast but craves the simplicity of a one-pan wonder. It’s regular kitchen, regular time, great results.

Print

Ingredients List for French Toast Breakfast Casserole

This French Toast Breakfast Casserole recipe comes together with simple, comforting ingredients you likely already have. The magic is in their combination.

• 1 (about 1 lb) loaf day-old challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or 2% for a slightly lighter option)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• For topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional), 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Bread: Stale bread is best! It soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. For a gluten-free French Toast Breakfast Casserole, use your favorite GF bread loaf.
• Dairy: Swap the whole milk for almond or oat milk, and use a thick, full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream for a rich dairy-free version.
• Sweetener: Honey works beautifully in place of maple syrup. For a less sweet option, reduce the brown sugar in the custard to 2 tablespoons.

Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus optional 30-minute soak)
• Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

The active prep for this French Toast Breakfast Casserole is surprisingly quick—you’re mostly just whisking and layering. I often assemble it the night before, let it soak in the fridge, and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. That overnight rest makes it even more custardy and is a true game-changer for a stress-free brunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread & Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray. Spread your cubed bread evenly in the dish. Using day-old or slightly dried-out bread is the pro tip here—it acts like a sponge for all that delicious custard.

2. Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended and smooth. Whisk in the milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is completely homogenous. Slowly pour the melted butter into the custard while whisking continuously. This helps emulsify it so the butter doesn’t separate.

3. Combine and Soak

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to ensure every piece gets soaked. For the ultimate texture, cover and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This soak is non-negotiable for that signature custardy center.

4. Create the Crumb Topping

While the casserole soaks, make the streusel. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, chopped nuts (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or two forks, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. This buttery topping is what bakes into that irresistible crisp, crunchy layer.

5. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Just before baking, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden brown, crisp, and the center is set (it might still have a slight jiggle, but it shouldn’t look liquid). Let the French Toast Breakfast Casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This rest allows the custard to finish setting, making it easier to slice.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this French Toast Breakfast Casserole (based on 12 servings) provides approximately:

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 25g

This dish is a source of protein from the eggs and milk, which helps provide lasting energy. The eggs also contribute choline, important for brain health. Using whole milk and real maple syrup means you’re getting nutrients and antioxidants rather than empty calories from highly processed substitutes. For a lighter version, see the swaps below.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools for this French Toast Breakfast Casserole. A regular kitchen will have everything:

• 9×13 inch baking dish (glass or ceramic works best for even heating)
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and serrated knife (for the bread)
• Small/medium bowl (for the streusel topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Toast Breakfast Casserole earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation for so many reasons.

• Feeds a Crowd Effortlessly: No more batch cooking at the stove. This single dish serves 8-12 people, making it the ultimate brunch or holiday morning centerpiece.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it the night before for the most custardy texture imaginable. Morning-you will thank evening-you.
• Comfort Food, Made Easy: It captures all the nostalgic flavor of classic French toast—the cinnamon, the vanilla, the maple—in a fuss-free, bake-and-serve format.
• Versatile & Forgiving: Use what you have! Stale bread, different milks, add-ins like berries or sausage—this recipe adapts. It’s food that feels like home, no matter how you tweak it.
• Leftovers Are a Gift: It reheats beautifully, making it a brilliant option for meal prep or delicious work lunch ideas throughout the week.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

You can easily tailor this French Toast Breakfast Casserole to fit different dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use a sturdy gluten-free bread. I find GF brioche or sourdough-style loaves work best as they hold their structure during the soak.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and replace the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk. Use vegan butter or coconut oil in both the custard and the streusel.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the maple syrup in the custard to 1/4 cup and the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. The streusel can be made with a mix of almond flour and a touch of coconut sugar.
• Higher Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the custard mixture (choose one that blends well). You can also layer in cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage for a savory-protein twist.

Serving Suggestions

This French Toast Breakfast Casserole is glorious all on its own, but a few additions can make it a full feast.

• The Classic: Drizzle with warm maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar. A pat of melting butter on top never hurts.
• Fruit Forward: Serve with a big bowl of fresh berries, sautéed apples, or a quick compote made from frozen berries simmered with a little maple syrup.
• For the Table: Pair it with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage links, and a light, citrusy salad to balance the richness. It’s also fantastic alongside a slice of my Brown Butter Banana Bread for the ultimate carb-lover’s brunch.
• For Kids: Serve smaller squares with a side of yogurt for dipping. The baked texture makes it less messy than traditional French toast, perfect for little hands and great for lunch box ideas for kids the next day if there are leftovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few simple tips will guarantee your French Toast Breakfast Casserole turns out perfect every time.

• Using Fresh, Soft Bread: This is the biggest culprit for a soggy, mushy casserole. Stale, dry bread is essential—it soaks up the custard like a dream. If your bread is fresh, cube it and toast it on a sheet pan at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to dry it out first.
• Skipping the Soak Time: Pouring the custard and baking immediately doesn’t give the bread time to absorb the liquid fully. That 30-minute (or overnight) rest is what creates the signature custardy, cohesive texture throughout.
• Overbaking: You want a set center, but not a dry one. The casserole is done when the top is crisp and golden and the center just set—a slight jiggle is okay. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Overbaking leads to a dry, rubbery texture.
• Not Pressing the Bread Down: After pouring the custard, take a moment to gently press all the bread cubes down into the liquid. This ensures every nook and cranny gets saturated for even flavor and texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This French Toast Breakfast Casserole is almost as good the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

• Refrigerating Leftovers: Cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual portions or the entire cooled casserole (if uneaten) tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat single servings in the toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350°F until warmed through and the top re-crisps (about 10-15 minutes). The microwave works in a pinch but will soften the topping. This makes reheated portions a warm and satisfying option for work lunch ideas.

Conclusion

This French Toast Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a promise of a slow, sweet morning. It’s the dish that lets you join your family at the table instead of being stuck at the stove. With its custardy heart and crisp, buttery crown, it turns simple ingredients into warm memories with minimal effort.

I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your weekend traditions, just like my Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is for savory days or my Blueberry Baked Oatmeal is for a lighter bake. If you’re looking for other sweet breakfast treats, don’t miss my Cinnamon Roll Pancakes or the classic comfort of Classic Moist Banana Bread.

Give it a try this weekend. Let me know how it turned out in the comments below—did you add berries? Go for the overnight soak? I love hearing your kitchen stories. And if you share a photo, don’t forget to tag @HarmonyMeal. Happy baking.

FAQs about French Toast Breakfast Casserole

💬 Let’s Stay Connected!
For daily recipes, kitchen tips, and exclusive content, follow me on:
👉 Facebook for behind-the-scenes & community fun
👉 Pinterest for visual inspiration & meal ideas
👉 X (Twitter) for quick tips & trending recipes

📲 Join the flavor journey, your next favorite recipe is just a follow away!