Whether you prep it the night before or bake it the same morning, this easy French toast casserole is always a hit! The buttery brown sugar topping adds a warm flavor that makes every bite irresistible.

Golden baked French toast casserole with buttery crumb topping ready to serve

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Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

This French toast casserole has everything you love about classic French toast but in an easy, oven-baked form that serves a crowd. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a rich egg and milk mixture, then baked until golden and fluffy for the perfect blend of soft custard and crisp edges.

It’s one of my favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes for the holidays because you can prep it the night before like my overnight French toast casserole or bake it fresh in the morning. Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for easy French toast casserole including bread, eggs, milk, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Day old French bread: I use day-old French bread most often, it makes the best French bread french toast, and works well for this casserole too.
  • For the custard: Whole milk, heavy cream, large eggs, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This is what you’d normally dip your French toast in, this time we’re pouring it on top and letting the bread absorb it.
  • For the topping: All-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, and slightly melted salted butter. The buttery brown sugar bits add a wonderful sweet crunch.
  • For serving: Fresh berries, maple syrup, and powdered sugar.

Best Bread for French Toast Bake

Day-old bread works best for this recipe because it soaks up the custard without getting soggy. Try a thick, sturdy loaf like brioche, French bread, or even sourdough. Anything hearty with a soft crumb will bake up beautifully with a golden, slightly crisp top.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Whip up the custard mixture in a medium bowl by whisking together the milk, cream, eggs, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Whisk mixing eggs, milk, and cinnamon for French toast casserole custard.

Arrange bread cubes in a prepared 9×13 baking dish in a couple of even layers. Pour the egg mixture overtop making sure each piece is coated then gently toss to make sure everything is soaked.

Cubed bread soaked in egg and milk mixture for French toast casserole

In a medium bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Add in slightly melted butter and then using a pastry cutter or two forks mix into coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the bread.

Brown sugar crumb topping mixture in a glass bowl with a fork.

Bake French toast bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes until the top is lightly brown and the center is cooked through.

Baked French toast casserole with golden brown crumb topping in a white baking dish

Recipe Tips

  • Serving: Drizzle French toast casserole with homemade buttermilk syrup, cinnamon pancake syrup or top with homemade whipped cream and fresh berries.
  • Prevent a soggy middle: Use slightly stale bread and make sure to bake until the center is fully set.
  • Browning: Tent the casserole with foil if the top begins to brown too quickly.
  • Spices: Try pumpkin pie spice or add some nutmeg for additional warm flavor.
Pouring maple syrup over a slice of easy French toast casserole on a white plate

More sweet breakfast recipe favorites include this German pancake recipe, Belgian waffles or eggnog French toast.

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Baked French toast casserole with golden brown crumb topping in a white baking dish.

Easy French Toast Casserole

5 from 6 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
This easy baked French toast casserole is a family favorite for breakfast or brunch. Made with simple ingredients, it’s soft, custardy, and perfect for make-ahead mornings!
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Ingredients 

French Toast

  • 1 loaf day-old French bread , cubed (about 10 cups) (sour dough or brioche work great too)
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream , can sub for milk
  • 6 large eggs
  • ½ cup light brown sugar , packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup light brown sugar , packed
  • 6 Tablespoons salted butter , slightly melted

For serving: Powdered sugar, berries and syrup

Instructions

French Toast

  • Prep and layer: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter or grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Layer the bread cubes evenly in the pan, equaling about 2 layers.
  • Whisk: In a medium bowl, whisk the 1 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 6 eggs, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
  • Pour: Pour evenly over the bread, making sure to coat each piece. Gently toss to make sure all the bread is covered.

Topping

  • Mix: In a medium bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Add the butter and mix with a pastry cutter or two forks. Use your hands if needed to make crumbs.
  • Bake: Sprinkle the crumb topping over the bread. Bake uncovered 50 to 60 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the center is cooked through. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
  • Serve: Slice and serve on plates. Sprinkle some powdered sugar and syrup on top.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Make ahead: This is a great make ahead dish. Assemble the night before then cover and chill overnight until ready to bake the next morning.
Storage: Leftovers will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 160mg, Sodium: 390mg, Potassium: 223mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 32g, Vitamin A: 559IU, Vitamin C: 0.4mg, Calcium: 130mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make French toast casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Assemble the entire casserole in the casserole dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. Then just bake in the morning!

Can I make it gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute almond milk or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. To make it gluten-free, choose your favorite gluten-free bread, just make sure it’s thick and sturdy so it holds up well when baked.

How to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers of this baked French toast casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat portions in the microwave.

Can I freeze French toast casserole?

Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Keep it frozen for up to 3 months, and when you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheat it in the oven or microwave.