Name: easy french toast casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread (About 16 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes.); 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup maple syrup (Optional for serving.); to taste powdered sugar (For dusting, optional.)

Mornings can be kinda wild, especially when you want something warm and comfy but don’t wanna flip each slice of French toast. That’s where the easy French toast casserole comes in. It’s like classic French toast but all baked together in one big dish, so you can just grab a fork and dig in. Picture cinnamon and vanila mixed into a creamy custard that soaks into cubes of bread, baked until it’s golden and soft in the middle. You can top it with fresh berries, bananas or just a good pour of maple syrup. It feels fancy, but it’s actually super low fuss, perfect for a family brunch or even a busy weekday breakfast.

Putting together a French toast casserole is not only easy, it also means you don’t gotta stand at the stove for ages. You can cut the bread ahead of time, mix your eggs and milk, then pop it in the oven while you chill with your friends or check your messages. No more flipping each slice or juggling griddles. In this guide, we’ll show you how to build your own version, from choosing the right bread to getting that custard just right. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or you just learned how to crack an egg, you’ll end up with a dish everyone’s gonna rave about.

What is French Toast Casserole?

French toast casserole is basically the same flavors as French toast but in one big baked pan you can share. Instead of dunking each slice in egg and milk and frying them one by one, you cube the bread, toss it with a rich custard mix, then bake it all together. Every bite ends up soft, sweet, and cinnamon-y without you having to babysit the skillet.

People have been soaking stale bread in eggs and milk forever, back when wasting food was a big no-no. Over time, lots of cultures made their own version. But the casserole idea came along and made life so much easier if you’re feeding a crowd. You still get that hint of nutmeg or vanilla, but now you just stir and bake instead of flipping every slice.

There are tons of perks to this casserole. You can do most of the work the night before, pop it in the oven when you wake up, and focus on grabbing coffee or setting the table. It serves a bunch at once, so it’s perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or just treating your family without a lot of drama.

Ingredients for Easy French Toast Casserole

Bread Type: Bread like Challah or Brioche work best ‘cause they’re sturdy and soak up that custard.
Eggs: Fresh eggs make your custard thick and creamy.
Milk: Whole milk is super rich, but almond or oat milk can work too if you prefer.
Sugar: Use a mix of white sugar and brown sugar for extra depth and a bit of caramelization.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla gives a nice sweet aroma.
Ground Cinnamon: Gotta have cinnamon for that classic French toast flavor.
Nutmeg: Totally optional but a pinch can take it up a notch.
Toppings: Fresh fruits, maple syrup, powdered sugar, whatever you like on top.

Try to use bread that’s a bit day-old so it soaks up the custard better and doesn’t fall apart when you bake. If anyone needs gluten-free or dairy-free options, just swap in GF bread or a non-dairy milk. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your taste and make sure everyone can dig in.

Ingredients for Easy French Toast Casserole

To whip up this tasty casserole, gather up:

Bread Type: Challah or Brioche cubes – they’re rich and soak custard beautifully.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are key for a creamy custard that holds it all together.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, or use almond/oat milk if you want.
Sugar: Blend granulated and brown sugar for sweetness and a bit of caramel flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla makes it smell amazing.
Ground Cinnamon: Your go-to spice for that warm French toast taste.
Nutmeg: Just a little sprinkle can boost the flavor.
Toppings: Think berries, banana slices, a drizzle of maple syrup, or dusting of powdered sugar.

Day-old bread is ideal ‘cause it soaks the mixture without getting soggy. You can also go GF or dairy-free so nobody misses out. Mix and match to suit what you and your guests like.

Directions: How to Make Easy French Toast Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparation: First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray so nothing sticks.

2. Bread Preparation: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and lay them in the dish. Don’t pack them too tight, you want some space for the custard to spread.

3. Mixing Ingredients: In a big bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it’s all smooth and mixed.

4. Combine and Marinate: Pour the custard over the bread cubes and press down gently so the bread soaks it all. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge at least an hour, or better yet, overnight. It makes every piece super flavorful.

5. Baking: Take off the wrap, sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top if you want, then bake for 40–45 minutes until it’s golden and the center is set.

6. Finishing Touches: Let it cool a few minutes, then top with fruit, maple syrup, or powdered sugar. Slice and serve while it’s warm.

Tips for Best Results

For extra custardy goodness, soak the bread at least four hours or overnight. Make sure the cubes are spread evenly so it bakes the same all over. If you like a crispy top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.