Easy French Toast Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast Delight

Overnight French Toast Casserole – A Delicious Make-Ahead Breakfast

This French toast casserole transforms ordinary bread into a spectacular breakfast treat that will have your family rushing to the table. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday breakfasts, or when you’re hosting brunch guests, this baked French toast delivers all the flavors of classic French toast in a convenient, make-ahead format.

Why You’ll Love This Baked French Toast Casserole

• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the night before and bake in the morning
• Family-sized: Feeds a crowd with minimal effort
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like berries, nuts, or chocolate chips
• Budget-friendly: Great way to use up day-old bread
• Crowd-pleaser: Both kids and adults love this sweet breakfast treat

Ingredients for the Perfect French Toast Casserole

• 5 cups French bread cubes (about 1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 6 large eggs
• 1½ cups milk
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

How to Make French Toast Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Spread the French bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated. Press down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
5. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. If using nuts, stir them in.
6. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the soaked bread.
7. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
8. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Overnight French Toast Bake

• Use stale bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
• Overnight option: For a true make-ahead breakfast, assemble the casserole the night before (without the topping), cover and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking in the morning.
• Even soaking: Make sure all bread pieces are submerged in the egg mixture for uniform texture and flavor.
• Test for doneness: Insert a knife in the center – it should come out clean with no wet custard.

Delicious Variations to Try

Fruit-Filled French Toast Casserole

Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries) between the bread layers before pouring the custard.

Apple Cinnamon Version

Toss 1 cup of diced apples with cinnamon and fold into the bread mixture for a fall-inspired breakfast.

Chocolate Lover’s Delight

Sprinkle ½ cup of chocolate chips throughout the bread cubes for a decadent twist.

Cream Cheese Stuffed

Cut 4 oz of cream cheese into small cubes and distribute throughout the bread for creamy pockets of goodness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious French toast casserole warm with any of these toppings:

• Maple syrup or honey
• Fresh berries or sliced bananas
• Whipped cream
• Powdered sugar
• Yogurt and granola

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or place the whole casserole (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

207 calories per serving
27g carbohydrates
9g protein
7g fat
2g saturated fat
129mg cholesterol
388mg sodium
13g sugar
1g fiber

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this French toast casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or your favorite non-dairy alternative. Use coconut oil instead of butter for the topping.

What’s the best bread for French toast casserole?

French bread, challah, or brioche work best because of their texture and ability to absorb the custard while maintaining structure.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Why is my French toast casserole soggy in the middle?

This could happen if using very fresh bread or if the casserole is undercooked. Use stale bread and ensure you bake until the center is set.

The Perfect Weekend Breakfast Made Easy

This French toast casserole is the answer to stress-free entertaining and leisurely weekend breakfasts. With its make-ahead convenience and crowd-pleasing flavor, you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again. Whether for a holiday morning, special occasion, or just because, this baked French toast delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Recipe adapted from: AllRecipes