Easy French Toast Casserole (Make-Ahead!)
Imagine waking up to a mouthwatering aroma wafting through your home, a promise of a delightful and hearty start to your day. This Overnight French Toast Casserole is not only absolutely delicious but incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a weekend brunch, it’s a dish designed to impress without the stress.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!
Why You Will Love Making Easy French Toast Casserole
- Firstly, as the name suggests, you can prepare this casserole the night before. Say goodbye to waking up early and fussing around in the kitchen while everyone else is still cozy in bed. With this casserole, the prep work is done ahead of time, so all you need to do in the morning is preheat your oven and bake until it reaches a beautiful golden brown. It’s so much easier than traditional French toast!
- Whether it’s the kids, grandparents, or a group of friends after a sleepover, this casserole has a way of bringing smiles to the breakfast table. The blend of soft, custardy bread with a sweet and crunchy topping appeals to taste buds of all ages. Plus, who can resist the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla in the morning?
- Do you have picky eaters, dietary restrictions, or just love getting creative in the kitchen? This French toast casserole is your canvas. Swap in almond milk for a dairy-free version, choose gluten-free bread if needed, or add fresh berries or more nuts like sliced almonds for extra crunch.
- While this dish is certainly worthy of a holiday brunch spread—think Easter, Mother’s Day, or Christmas morning—it’s easy and simple enough to make any day feel special. Because it’s prepped in advance, you can actually sit down and enjoy your morning, making memories with your loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
- Have a loaf of bread that’s going stale? This recipe is a fabulous way to give that bread a second, delicious life. Whether you’re using French bread, sourdough, challah, or even a simple white loaf, this casserole will transform it into a dish that’s absolutely delicious.
Ingredients you’ll need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make French Toast Casserole with Step-by-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Prepare the Bread
Grab your loaf and get tearing or cutting! We’re going for small, bite-sized chunks, around 1″ in size.
Distribute these bread cubes evenly in a greased 9″ x 13″ casserole dish. You can grease it with either cooking spray or melted butter.
Mix and Soak
Now, whisk those eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add in the cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour egg mixture evenly over your bread cubes, sprinkle in the pecans, and toss it gently so every piece soaks up the flavor. Cover it up and let it refrigerate overnight.
Crumble Topping Time
In a separate medium bowl, blend brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and nuts.
Cut in cold butter by using your hands or a pastry blender until it forms a crumbly topping. Pop this in the fridge, too.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C. Take the casserole and the topping out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes as your oven warms up.
Sprinkle the crumble topping over your soaked bread. Slide it into the oven and bake until it’s golden brown and absolutely irresistible—about 45 minutes.
| Product Image | Product Name / Primary Rating / Price | Primary Button |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Top Pick
|
||
|
Budget Pick
|
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Then, serve it up with some warm maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scattering of fresh mixed berries. Dig in and savor every delightful bite! Enjoy!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Bread: For a truly spectacular casserole, consider the bread. Opt for something hearty and a little crusty—think French bread, sourdough bread, Italian bread, or challah bread. Stale bread is actually your best friend here; it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without getting mushy.
- Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread?: Absolutely! This recipe is super adaptable. Just swap the French bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf. Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes, as gluten-free breads can sometimes absorb the egg mixture differently, but you’ll still end up with a delicious, golden-brown treat that everyone can enjoy.
- Toppings: Don’t be shy—get creative with that crumble topping! Beyond the basic brown sugar, butter, and pecans, consider mixing in a sprinkle of orange zest for a bright twist. Or perhaps you’re a fan of a sweet and salty combo? Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the top before baking. After it’s finished baking, sprinkle powdered sugar or warm maple syrup for an extra sweet touch!
- Dairy-Free Substitutes: If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based options, you’re still invited to this French toast party! Substitute the cream and milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice. It’ll still be creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Resist the temptation to rush this dish. Allowing the casserole to sit overnight is like letting magic happen. It gives the bread ample time to absorb all the goodness of the egg mixture, resulting in a rich and flavorful bite in every spoonful. If you’re short on time, at least let it sit for an hour at room temperature.
- Monitor Your Bake: Keep a close eye on your breakfast casserole in its final minutes of baking. You’re aiming for a top that’s golden and slightly crisp but still soft and custardy on the inside. Ovens can be quirky, so use the suggested baking time as a guideline and trust your instincts (and your nose!).
- Can I Add Fresh or Frozen Berries? For sure! Sprinkle a generous handful of your favorite fresh or frozen berries over the bread cubes before you pour the egg mixture. Whether it’s fresh blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry medley, they’ll add a beautiful burst of fruity flavor.
- Cream Cheese Filling: To create a cream cheese layer, simply mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla extract until it’s smooth. Spread this mixture over half of the bread cubes in the casserole dish, then continue layering with the remaining bread cubes and pour over the egg mixture as usual. It’s like a delightful, creamy surprise in every bite!
How to Store Leftover Baked French Toast Casserole
The good news is that this casserole is delicious even the day after (and I find myself picking at it, it’s irresistable).
Fridge Friendly
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator.
It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish back in a preheated oven (at 350°F/175°C) until it’s warmed through. Breakfast tomorrow, sorted!
Freezer for the Future
If you have more baked French toast than you can handle in the next few days, the freezer is your friend.
Slice the cooled casserole into individual portions, wrap each securely in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil.
Place these bundles in a resealable freezer bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven.
What to Serve with this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
You can eat French toast casserole on its own; it’s delicious, but why stop at that? There are many tasty treats that pair perfectly with it.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Imagine a bright, colorful fruit salad served alongside your warm and golden French toast bake. The fresh, tangy flavors of fruit are the perfect counterpoint to the rich and creamy French toast.
Opt for seasonal fruits—succulent berries in summer, crisp apples in fall, vibrant citrus in winter, and tropical delights for a summery vibe any time of the year.
A Delicious Breakfast Spread
Make this part of a large potluck-style breakfast! Alongside your main dish, serve light and fluffy scrambled eggs, the best breakfast potatoes, savory veggie sausages, crispy air fryer mushrooms seasoned with garlic and herbs, Hawaiian roll french toast, and tangy roasted tomatoes.
This collection of breakfast delights ensures a diverse flavor palette, catering to all tastes and making your breakfast or brunch gathering a memorable feast for everyone.
Sparkling Champagne Cocktails (For the Adults!)
Planning a brunch celebration? Lighten up the mood and add a touch of sophistication with our Champagne Cocktails.
They’re bubbly, refreshing and pair wonderfully with the flavors of your French toast casserole.
More breakfast recipes for you to try
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls
- Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
- The BEST Waffles
- Air Fryer Egg Bites
- Air Fryer Toast
Easy French Toast Casserole (Make-Ahead!)
Ingredients
- 1 lb French bread
- 8 large Eggs
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Milk
- ⅓ cup Light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ cup Pecans roughly chopped
For the Topping
- ½ cup Brown sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- 2 oz Pecans roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp Butter cold and cut into pieces
Instructions
- Grease the bottom of a 9" x 13" casserole dish. Cut or tear the bread into small chunks, approximately 1" in size, and place them evenly in the casserole dish.1 lb French bread
- Whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl, then add cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt and mix until combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, add the pecans, and toss to coat all the chunks have been coated, and arrange them in an even layer over the casserole dish. Cover the dish and keep chilled in the fridge overnight. If you want to cook the same day, leave it to stand at room temperature for an hour.8 large Eggs, 1 cup Heavy cream, 2 cups Milk, ⅓ cup Light brown sugar, 1 tbsp Vanilla extract, 2 tsp Ground cinnamon, ½ tsp Salt, ½ cup Pecans
- Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and nuts to a mixing bowl and stir to combine. Cut cold butter and add it to the bowl, use your hands to combine the mixture until it forms a crumbly topping. Cover the bowl and place in the fridge until the morning.½ cup Brown sugar, 1 tsp Cinnamon, ¼ tsp Nutmeg, 2 oz Pecans, 2 tbsp Butter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.
- Remove the casserole and the topping from the fridge and leave to stand for 30 minutes at room temperature. Evenly scatter the topping over the top of the casserole. Place in the oven and bake until the top is golden brown and the casserole has set approximately 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes, then serve with warm maple syrup, whipped cream, or mixed berries. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Bread: For a truly spectacular casserole, consider the bread. Opt for something hearty and a little crusty—think French bread, sourdough bread, Italian bread, or challah bread. Stale bread is actually your best friend here; it soaks up the egg mixture beautifully without getting mushy.
- Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread?: Absolutely! Just swap the French bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf. Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes, as gluten-free breads can sometimes absorb the egg mixture differently, but you’ll still end up with a delicious, golden-brown treat that everyone can enjoy.
- Toppings: Beyond the basic brown sugar, butter, and pecans, consider mixing in a sprinkle of orange zest for a bright twist. Or perhaps you’re a fan of a sweet and salty combo? Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the top before baking. After it’s finished baking, sprinkle powdered sugar or warm maple syrup for an extra sweet touch!
- Dairy-Free Substitutes: If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based options, substitute the cream and milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk of your choice. It’ll still be creamy, rich, and absolutely delicious.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Resist the temptation to rush this dish. Allowing the casserole to sit overnight gives the bread ample time to absorb all the goodness of the egg mixture, resulting in a rich and flavorful bite in every spoonful. If you’re short on time, at least let it sit for an hour at room temperature.
- Monitor Your Bake: Keep a close eye on your breakfast casserole in its final minutes of baking. You’re aiming for a top that’s golden and slightly crisp, but still soft and custardy on the inside. Ovens can be quirky, so use the suggested baking time as a guideline and trust your instincts (and your nose!).
- Can I Add Fresh or Frozen Berries?: For sure! Sprinkle a generous handful of your favorite fresh or frozen berries over the bread cubes before you pour the egg mixture. Whether it’s fresh blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry medley, they’ll add a beautiful burst of fruity flavor.
- Storage & Reheating: Simply cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire baking dish back in a preheated oven (at 350°F/175°C) until it’s warmed through.
- Freeze: Slice the cooled casserole into individual portions, wrap each securely in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil. Place these bundles in a resealable freezer bag and they can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven as above.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
Did you make this recipe?
We love hearing how you went with ours recipes! Tag us on Instagram at @splash_of_taste_uk
You may also like…
Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Cake Recipe stands out for its moist texture, deep chocolate flavor, and silky frosting. It’s perfect for celebrating or as a way to…
Spicy Korean Tofu Soup (Sundubu Jjigae)
This Korean Tofu Soup, or Sundubu Jjigae, is warm, spicy, cozy, and delicious! Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something comforting, it’s a flavorful blend…
This French toast is a bowl of comfort! I made it dairy-free and it still came out warm, cinnamon and delicious. Perfect for cool mornings.
Glad to hear you found comfort in this French toast, and kudos for making it dairy-free! It’s a wonderful way to start a cool morning.
This French toast casserole is a breakfast dream! It’s simple yet so comforting, and the flavors are just perfect. I made it recently, and it’s become a new addition to my breakfast favorites. I can’t get enough of the creamy, cinnamon-infused goodness. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and I’m thrilled to have stumbled upon it.
I’m delighted to hear that you’ve found a new breakfast favorite in this French toast casserole! It’s always great when a recipe becomes a family hit. Enjoy your breakfast!
Love this so much! Made some for breakfast and it was so delicious!
I’m thrilled to hear you loved it! Breakfast wins are the best.
Did the overnight thing with pecans, cinnamon, and that golden-brown topping. Turned out great and really delicious! Another one to add to my list.
That sounds absolutely delightful! Thanks for sharing it.
French toast has always been my favorite weekend breakfast item, but this is even better! I don’t have to stand over the stove flipping each one, which always means my family is done eating before I even get to begin. I wish I could give this recipe more stars! It’s not just convenient but SO delicious.
I’m delighted to hear that this French toast recipe has made your weekend breakfasts even better! It’s wonderful when a recipe is not only convenient but also incredibly delicious.
I couldn’t get enough of this French toast casserole recipe. I recently prepared it for our gathering, and it turned out to be an absolute sensation! The flavor was incredibly rich, the sweetness was perfectly balanced, and the texture was simply heavenly. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
I’m thrilled to hear that the French toast casserole was a hit at your gathering! Thanks for recommending it! 🍞🍯👌😊
I absolutely love French toast, but I have never thought that I couldn’t make it overnight? This is brilliant idea that will save me so much time over the weekend! I am keeping this idea and thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you found the idea of overnight French toast brilliant! It’s a game-changer for weekend breakfasts.
I made this over the weekend for Sunday breakfast and my family loved it! I’ll be making it again this holiday season when we are hosting people. It was so easy and so full of flavor! Thanks for this delicious recipe!
I’m delighted to hear that your family loved it! You’re very welcome!
I tried this recipe and it didn’t disappoint! Setting it up the night before saved me so much morning hassle, and it tasted wonderful.
I’m glad to hear that the recipe worked out well for you! Enjoy the extra time and delicious breakfast.
This overnight French toast casserole was an absolute game changer! I was pleasantly surprised by how effortlessly it came together, and the incredible flavor and delightful texture left me craving more. I would highly recommend trying out this recipe – it’s a breakfast winner!
I’m thrilled to hear that the overnight French toast casserole was a game-changer for you! Thanks for the recommendation!
The fact that this can be made ahead of time is a game changer for busy mornings. It’s delicious, easy and my kids ask for it weekly!
That’s wonderful to hear! When the kids love it and it’s easy, that’s a win-win!
I’ve been converted! No more fiddling with old-school French toast when I can make this casserole. It is easy to prep and I loved the ease of just popping it into the oven in the AM. Did a test run this weekend and have the confidence to make this for Thanksgiving this year. It was delicious.
I’m delighted to hear you’ve been converted to the casserole side! It’s fantastic that your test run was a success, and I’m sure your Thanksgiving brunch will be a hit!