Name: Traditional French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning, this Traditional French Toast Casserole is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Imagine luscious cubes of brioche soaked in a creamy, vanilla-cinnamon custard, baked until golden and perfectly set—a true crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines texture and flavor. It’s a dish that elevates simple ingredients into something magical, perfect for lazy weekends, special occasions, or just treating yourself when you want a breakfast that’s both comforting and impressive.

Traditional French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, essential ingredients is the first joy in bringing your Traditional French Toast Casserole to life. Each one plays a vital role—from providing the rich custard soak to lending that lovely golden hue and cozy warmth in every bite.

Brioche, challah, or French bread: Choosing a sturdy yet soft bread is key for soaking up the custard without becoming mushy.
Large eggs: They’re the heart of the custard, binding everything and giving richness and structure.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps the custard stay perfectly tender inside.
Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the flavors without overpowering them.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant note that makes the casserole feel extra special.
Ground cinnamon: That classic spice adds depth and cozy hints of warmth.
Salt: A pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance all the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter drizzled on top creates a beautifully crisp, golden crust.

How to Make Traditional French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and crisps up beautifully on the edges. Spread your cubed brioche evenly to create the perfect base for soaking up all the custardy goodness.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is luxuriously combined. This mixture is what transforms your bread into the velvety center of the casserole.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, then gently press the bread down so it soaks in as much as possible. This step is essential because you want every piece to be soaked and creamy, not dry or crunchy.

Step 4: Add the Butter and Let It Soak

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of your bread mixture. Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the custard, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re after.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your dish in the oven, baking uncovered for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a gorgeous golden brown, bubbling slightly, and the custard is set but still tender inside.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm

Once out of the oven, allow your Traditional French Toast Casserole to cool for a few minutes to settle. Serve warm to truly enjoy the rich flavors and soft, custard-soaked bread with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Traditional French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or a handful of fresh berries really elevate this casserole. They add bursts of sweetness, a pop of color, and extra texture to complement every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your casserole with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages to balance sweet and salty flavors. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt on the side adds a refreshing contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, serve portions in individual ramekins to make everyone feel special. You can also top each portion with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. This casserole is versatile enough to dress up or keep cozy and casual.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making your mornings effortless and tasty.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly, and popping it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if still chilled.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 325°F until heated through. This helps keep the texture just right—warm, custardy inside with that lovely crisp top.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than brioche for this casserole?

Absolutely! Challah or French bread also work wonderfully, as they soak up the custard nicely without turning to mush. Just avoid breads that are too soft or delicate, as they won’t hold up as well.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the milk in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

Definitely! One of the best things about the Traditional French Toast Casserole is how well it can be assembled the night before. Let it soak in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.

How do I make the top extra crispy?

Drizzling the casserole with melted butter before baking is key to a golden, crispy top. You can also sprinkle a little sugar or streusel topping for more crunch if you like.

Can I add fruits or nuts inside the casserole?

Yes, feel free to mix in chopped apples, berries, or nuts before baking for additional flavor and texture. Just be mindful of extra moisture that might affect the custard setting time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sinking your fork into a warm slice of Traditional French Toast Casserole. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a little extra joy to any breakfast table. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite morning treat that’s perfect for sharing with family or savoring all by yourself.

Traditional French Toast Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Traditional French Toast Casserole is a comforting and indulgent breakfast bake featuring custard-soaked brioche bread baked to golden perfection. Infused with cinnamon and vanilla, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, ideal for family gatherings or weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

1 loaf brioche, challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Custard Mixture

6 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole evenly.
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and help with easy serving.
Arrange Bread: Spread the 1-inch bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully blended and smooth.
Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly so the bread absorbs the liquid thoroughly.
Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the top of the soaked bread for richness and a golden crust.
Soak: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture fully.
Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating it is fully cooked.
Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to make it easier to slice and serve.
Serve: Serve warm topped with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries as desired for a delicious breakfast treat.

Notes

Use day-old brioche or challah for better texture as fresh bread can become too soggy.
Allow the casserole to soak longer if possible for a custardier interior.
Substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream for an even richer dish.
Add nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-American