Description
Easy French Toast Casserole is a warm, custardy breakfast bake made with buttery bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and baked until golden. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old brioche, challah, or French bread (about 10 cups), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar (white or brown)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the cubed bread in an even layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Press gently to ensure all bread is soaked.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or let it sit for at least 30 minutes if baking right away.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator while the oven heats.
- Dot the top of the casserole with pieces of butter.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Top with powdered sugar, syrup, or desired toppings.
Notes
Day-old bread absorbs the custard best without becoming soggy.Add fruit, nuts, or cream cheese for variation.To make ahead, assemble the night before and bake in the morning.Check doneness with a knife in the center—it should come out clean.To freeze, wrap the baked casserole tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of casserole)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
