There's something magical about waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, and caramelized sugar wafting through the house. French toast casserole takes all the comforting flavors of classic French toast and transforms them into an effortless, make-ahead dish that's perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or lazy weekend breakfasts.

I first fell in love with this recipe when looking for an easy way to feed a crowd without standing over a griddle flipping slices of bread. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, offering a perfect balance of crispy edges, custardy softness, and just the right touch of sweetness. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular French toast!

Why You'll Love This French Toast Casserole

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat! This French toast casserole is everything you love about traditional French toast but even better.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. Simply assemble the ingredients the night before, pop it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. No standing at the stove flipping slices—just one dish and minimal effort!

This recipe is also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you're hosting a brunch gathering or just feeding a hungry family, it serves plenty of people with minimal work.

It’s versatile and customizable. Want to add fresh berries, nuts, or even a drizzle of maple syrup? Go for it! This dish is incredibly adaptable to your favorite flavors and textures.

Lastly, it’s budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples and day-old bread, you can whip up a gourmet-worthy breakfast without breaking the bank.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this French toast casserole lies in its rich, comforting ingredients that come together to create a decadent breakfast experience.

Bread is the star of the show. A slightly stale, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or French bread works best. These varieties soak up the custard mixture beautifully without becoming soggy.

Eggs and milk form the base of the custard. The eggs provide structure, while whole milk (or even half-and-half for extra richness) ensures a creamy, luscious texture. You can also use a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.

Brown sugar and cinnamon add warmth and sweetness. The brown sugar caramelizes as it bakes, giving you those irresistible golden-brown edges.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic depth that takes the custard mixture to the next level.

Butter creates a luscious, slightly crisp top layer that makes this casserole even more indulgent. If you want an extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top.

How To Make This French Toast Casserole

Making this French toast casserole couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly golden, delicious breakfast dish.

Start by greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Next, cube your bread into 1-inch pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared dish. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a bit to dry, or lightly toast it to help it absorb the custard without getting mushy.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This rich custard mixture will infuse the bread with incredible flavor.

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing down gently so every piece soaks up the goodness. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor or bake immediately.

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Dot the top with small pieces of butter and an extra sprinkle of brown sugar. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp while the inside remains soft and custardy.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through.

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customizations.

For a fruitier version, add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped apples before baking. They add a delicious burst of flavor and natural sweetness.

If you love nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts on top before baking. This adds a delightful texture contrast.

For a dairy-free option, swap out the milk for almond, coconut, or oat milk, and use melted coconut oil instead of butter.

Want a holiday-inspired twist? Add a dash of nutmeg and a splash of orange zest to the custard mixture for a festive flavor boost.

This French toast casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying it on a cozy Sunday morning or serving it at a holiday brunch, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite way to enjoy French toast!