Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe for Busy Mornings

Even though breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated, mornings can be pretty hectic. This Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe is ideal for those hectic mornings when you want a cozy, homemade breakfast complimentary of all the effort. Simple ingredients and easy techniques will result in a flavorful, crunchy exterior and soft interior casserole. This casserole will become a breakfast classic, whether you’re cooking ahead for the week or feeding a gathering.

Along with simple-to-follow directions, this guide will guide you through the precise ingredients and measurements required to cook this meal. We will also offer storage alternatives, make-ahead options, and casserole-modifying advice. Don’t overlook the concluding general notes, which present intriguing variations tailored to diverse dietary preferences and tastes. Let’s go in and help to make mornings somewhat more straightforward and much more delicious!

Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe for Busy Mornings

Recipe by Chef SarahCourse: BreakfastCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of French bread (day-old or slightly stale, cut into cubes)

• 6 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the dish)

• For the Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Directions

• Prepare the Bread: Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with the melted butter. Place the cubed French bread in an even layer inside the dish.
• Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
• Soak the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Use a spatula to press down the bread gently so it absorbs the liquid.
• Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked bread.
• Chill or Bake: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for the best results. If you’re short on time, you can bake it immediately.
• Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the casserole for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Serve warm.

Notes

• Gluten-free option: Swap the French bread for gluten-free bread, and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
• Dairy-free option: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream, and replace butter with a dairy-free alternative.
• Serving suggestion: Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey on top for added sweetness.

Tips for Customizing Your French Toast Casserole:

• Add fruit: For a sweet variation, arrange sliced bananas, diced apples, or fresh or frozen berries between the bread cubes.

• Try nuts: Top with a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

• Spice it up: For a different taste, use other spices, such as pumpkin pie spice or a bit of cardamom.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options for French Toast Casserole:

This dish is ideal for ahead preparation, making it one of the better ones. Make it the evening before and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. To have breakfast covered, drop it in the oven first thing in the morning. You can reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave and store them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For more breakfast ideas like this, check out 10 Easy Make-Ahead Breakfast Recipes to simplify your mornings even more!

Check out these links for additional French Toast ideas:

Crispy and Delicious French Toast Sticks Recipe: A Childhood Favorite Reimagined