Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but standing over a griddle flipping individual slices of bread is nobody’s favorite morning activity. This Quick Easy Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe solves that problem beautifully. It takes the classic flavors of French toast—cinnamon, vanilla, and custard-soaked bread—and bakes them into a warm, sliceable casserole. Topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel, this dish is decadent enough for Christmas morning yet simple enough for a lazy Sunday brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Feeds a Crowd at Once
Instead of serving one person at a time while the first batch gets cold, this casserole comes out of the oven ready to serve everyone simultaneously. It is the ultimate hosting hack.
Better Than Fresh Bread
This recipe is actually better if you use stale, dry bread. It is the perfect way to reduce food waste while creating something delicious. The dry bread soaks up the custard like a sponge without falling apart.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread or Brioche, cubed (day old)
- 8 large Eggs
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup Flour (for topping)
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon (divided)
- 0.5 cup Cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Place bread cubes inside.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.
- Pour custard over bread. Press down to soak.
- Mix flour, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes until golden and set.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
- Bread: Brioche, Challah, or French bread are ideal. They have the structure to hold the liquid. Sourdough offers a nice tang if you prefer less sweet.
- Eggs & Milk: The base of the custard. Whole milk or Half & Half yields the richest texture.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The classic warming spices that give French toast its signature aroma.
- Brown Sugar: Used in the topping to create a caramelized, crunchy crust.
- Butter: Cold butter cut into the topping is what makes the streusel crisp.
Smart Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Almond milk works well, though the custard will be slightly less creamy. Use coconut oil or vegan butter for the topping.
- Flavor Twists: Add orange zest to the custard for a citrus pop, or toss a handful of blueberries or chocolate chips in with the bread cubes before baking.
- Syrup: While maple syrup is standard for serving, a simple dusting of powdered sugar is often enough due to the sweet topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10 minutes to dry them out. This prevents a soggy casserole.
Cooking Phase
Place the bread cubes in the prepared dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and spices. Pour this custard evenly over the bread, pressing down slightly to ensure every piece is soaked. Optional: Let it sit for 20 minutes (or overnight) to absorb. For the topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter until it looks like wet sand. Sprinkle over the casserole. Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
The “Soak Time” is variable but important. If using very dry French bread, you can let it soak overnight in the fridge. If using softer Brioche, a 30-minute soak on the counter is plenty. Over-soaking soft bread can lead to a mushy bottom layer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Sandwich Bread: Standard white sandwich bread is too thin and soft; it will dissolve into the egg mixture. Stick to bakery loaves.
- Undercooking: The top will brown before the center is cooked. If the top gets too dark, cover it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the custard in the middle to set firm.
- Skimping on the Topping: The crunchy topping provides the necessary texture contrast to the soft bread. Don’t leave it off!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Dust the warm casserole with powdered sugar just before serving. Slice into squares and serve with a pitcher of warm maple syrup. Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing Suggestions
- Protein: Serve with crispy bacon or sausage links to balance the sweetness with salt.
- Savory Option: If you have guests who prefer savory over sweet, consider making our Simple Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe alongside this one for a complete brunch spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this is an excellent “Overnight” recipe. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Just add the crumb topping right before baking so it doesn’t get soggy in the fridge.
Q2? Why is my casserole soggy?
Either the bread was too fresh, or the ratio of milk to eggs was too high. Ensure you toast your bread cubes if they feel soft.
Q3? Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, it reheats well in the microwave, but for the best texture (to recrisp the topping), reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or air fryer.
| Bread Type | Absorbency | Sweetness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brioche | High | High | Decadent Brunch |
| French Baguette | Medium | Low | Chewy Texture |
| Challah | High | Medium | Traditional |
| Sourdough | Low | Tangy | Structurally Firm |
Conclusion
This Quick Easy Baked French Toast Casserole is pure comfort on a plate. It transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular breakfast that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether it is a festive holiday morning or just a craving for something sweet, this casserole delivers warmth and joy in every bite.
