Sweet French Toast Casserole

Mornings can be pure chaos, can’t they? Between packing lunches, finding missing shoes, and trying to get at least one sip of coffee while it’s still hot, the last thing you need is a complicated breakfast. That’s where this lifesaver comes in. This Sweet French Toast Casserole is the answer to your hectic morning prayers. Imagine all the cozy, cinnamon-spiced flavor of classic French toast, but baked into a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a superstar with minimal effort, perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday morning.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Sweet French Toast Casserole

This isn’t just another breakfast recipe—it’s your new secret weapon. Here’s why it will quickly become a staple in your home:

• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning. Yes, it’s that easy.
• Feeds a Crowd: No more standing at the stove flipping slices for what feels like hours. This baked version serves everyone at once.
• Totally Forgiving: Don’t worry if your bread is a little stale or you’re out of milk—this casserole is wonderfully adaptable.
• Kid-Approved: The sweet, custardy base and crispy topping are basically irresistible. It’s a guaranteed way to get everyone to the table.

Gathering Your Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

Print

• 1 loaf French bread (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar, for serving

How to Make Sweet French Toast Casserole

Follow these simple steps for a stress-free and delicious breakfast experience.

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cubed French bread evenly in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure all the bread gets soaked in the custard.

Step 2: Create the Streusel Topping

In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Assemble and Rest

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time is key for the bread to absorb all that delicious custard.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit on the counter while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.

My Favorite Tools for This Recipe

Having the right tools makes any recipe easier. For this casserole, you’ll need:

• A 9×13 inch baking dish (like a glass or ceramic pan)
• A large mixing bowl
• A whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

If you’re looking to expand your kitchen toolkit, check out my guide on the essential baking tools every home cook needs.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Casserole

I’ve made this more times than I can count, and here’s what I’ve learned:

• Bread Choice: Stale bread is actually better! It soaks up the custard without falling apart. A day-old loaf of French or Italian bread is perfect.
• Overnight is Best: If you have the time, letting it sit overnight in the fridge really allows the flavors to meld and gives you the best texture.
• Don’t Skip the Topping: That buttery, crispy streusel is what takes this from good to “can I have the recipe?” incredible.
• Test for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the top is golden and crisp, and the center doesn’t jiggle too much when you gently shake the pan.

The Perfect Way to Serve It

Slide that golden, fragrant casserole out of the oven and let it cool for just a few minutes. Dust it generously with powdered sugar and serve it warm with a generous pour of pure maple syrup. It’s delicious on its own, but for a real feast, pair it with some crispy homemade breakfast sausage and a refreshing fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1/12th of casserole): Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 280mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g

Please note that this is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

A Few Last Words

This Sweet French Toast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create a little moment of calm and connection on a busy morning. It’s the dish I make when I have family visiting or when I simply want to treat my own crew to something special without a ton of work. I hope it becomes a cherished recipe in your home, too, creating warm memories around the breakfast table.

Your Sweet French Toast Casserole Questions, Answered

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can easily swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite non-dairy alternatives, like almond, oat, or coconut milk. For the butter in the topping, a plant-based butter substitute works great.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Cover any leftover casserole with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.

Can I freeze this baked casserole?

You can! Let the baked casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

What can I use instead of French bread?

This recipe is very forgiving. Brioche, challah, or even a sturdy white sandwich bread will work wonderfully. The key is to use a bread that can hold up to the custard without becoming mushy.

Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?

That’s the best part! Assembling it the night before is not just an option—it’s encouraged. Letting it sit allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer, more cohesive final dish.

More Breakfast Favorites You’ll Adore

If you loved this easy casserole, you’ll definitely want to try my legendarily fluffy buttermilk pancakes or this satisfying savory breakfast strata for your next weekend brunch.