French Toast Casserole

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Delicious and decadent, this French Toast Casserole is the perfect make ahead breakfast for any special occasion. Top it off with a sweet streusel topping for fresh and easy take on the classic French Toast. If you’re looking for a more savory option, you MUST try my Breakfast Casserole Recipe.

First of all, what is French Toast Casserole?

French Toast Casserole is just like it sounds: french toast turned into a casserole. Basically, bread pieces that are soaked in a sweetened egg and milk custard, topped with a brown sugar streusel and baked. This can easily be turned into an overnight french toast casserole by soaking in the fridge overnight OR by baking immediately.

It is a special, sweeter breakfast that is perfect for any Holiday, especially Christmas Breakfast.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

I love french toast as much as the next person, but man oh man, one bite of this and you might just be converted to this bread and custard breakfast casserole. Bake it right away or refrigerate overnight for a quick and tasty breakfast. Maple Syrup, whipped cream and extra butter are all optional additions.

Believe it or not, this french toast casserole is SO much simpler than making actual french toast. Less prep work and tastes just as delicious if not more so, thanks to that sweet streusel.

Preheat Oven + Prep Casserole Dish

Butter a 9×13 or other casserole dish. Preheat oven.

Cut or Tear the Bread into Cubes

Cut or tear the bread into bite size pieces or cubes. Place bread cubes into buttered dish. I used a large, day-old loaf of french bread from costco that yielded about 10 cups of bread cubes. You want to fill your 9×13 or other casserole dish almost to the top with bread cubes.

Make Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt together until well mixed and uniform in color. Pour over bread cubes. Using a large spoon or your hands, press the bread cubes down into the custard to help everything soak in.

Cover and refrigerate at this point if making ahead and storing overnight.

Make Streusel Topping

Create streusel by mixing flour, sugars, butter, salt and pecans together to create moist crumbs. Sprinkle over the top of the bread.

Bake

Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes or until thoroughly cooked and the top of the casserole has browned. (If you notice the casserole is getting too brown, cover with foil). 

Allow to Cool Before Cutting + Serving

Cool 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Top with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or anything else you’d like.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave until heated through.

Making Overnight French Toast Casserole

If you are planning on making this ahead, be sure to soak your bread in the custard overnight in a buttered casserole dish that is covered with plastic wrap or foil. I like making mine right before bed between 9 and 11pm. Then, the next morning you just have to remove from the fridge, add the streusel and bake. It’s such an easy, no fuss, forgiving recipe. Your family and friends will wake up to the delicious sweet smell of french toast without all the work for you. Prepare to blow them away at how delicious this french toast casserole bake is. A fabulous breakfast without having to break a sweat by 8am.

Adapting This Recipe

The sky is nearly the limit to making this recipe your own. Based on your likes and dislikes, you can turn this into a new family favorite masterpiece! Here are a few ideas:

• Add a tablespoon or two of booze into the custard (amaretto or rum!)
• Zest a lemon or an orange into the custard for a burst of flavor
• Instead of french bread, try using brioche, cinnamon swirl bread or plain glazed donuts (YUM!!)
• Dice apple or pear and add that in with the bread for a fun surprise
• Layer fresh raspberries in with the bread for a more festive french toast casserole
• For extra texture, add oats, chopped nuts or dried fruit to the streusel topping

Love French Toast? Try these other delicious variations:

• Perfect Brioche French Toast
• Lemon Cream French Toast
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch Encrusted French Toast
• French Toast Pigs in a Blanket
• Caramelized Banana & Cream Cheese Filled French Toast
• How to Make French Toast

Be sure to print/pin/bookmark/save this recipe because it’s a real winner. I fell in love with this sweet and lightly spicy recipe and know you and your family will love it too.

Merry Christmas, friends!