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French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole

Julia
This French Toast Casserole is a warm, cinnamon-spiced breakfast bake made with custardy bread and a buttery streusel topping. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or make-ahead mornings, this easy French Toast Casserole delivers classic flavor with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Main Casserole:
  • 1 loaf 14–16 oz thick bread (brioche, French bread, challah, or Texas toast), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg optional
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • Optional Streusel Topping:
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter cubed

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dish:
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Spread cubed bread evenly in the dish.
  • Make the Custard:
  • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, nutmeg, and melted butter until smooth.
  • Assemble:
  • Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the liquid.
  • Chill:
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. (If short on time, let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.)
  • Prepare Streusel (Optional):
  • Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over casserole before baking.
  • Bake:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Let casserole sit at room temperature for 20 minutes if refrigerated overnight.
  • Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
  • Rest & Serve:
  • Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with powdered sugar, maple syrup, berries, or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Use slightly stale bread for best texture.
  • Avoid soft sandwich bread to prevent a mushy casserole.
  • For a softer center, bake closer to 40 minutes. For a firmer texture, bake closer to 50 minutes.
  • Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
  • Add fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts for variation.
Keyword French Toast Casserole