French Toast Casserole
This French Toast Casserole is everything you love about classic French toast—only easier and perfect for a crowd! Made with thick-cut bread soaked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced custard and baked to golden perfection, it’s topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble for irresistible texture and flavor
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread 14–16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 1 stick cold butter, cubed
Instructions
- Prep the bread: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add the cubed bread, spreading evenly.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Pour over bread: Slowly pour the custard over the bread cubes, pressing gently to help soak. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Make the topping (if using): In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Cover and chill until ready to use.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle topping over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
- Serve: Let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, allow the casserole to rest overnight before baking.
- Use day-old bread—it absorbs custard better without becoming soggy.
- Try adding chopped pecans, blueberries, or sliced bananas for extra flavor.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.