French toast casserole is a fairly simple mixture of bread and custard, but the best part about this dish is the crispy cinnamon-sugar streusel topping! Everything you love about French toast, all in one pan! Made in a similar way as sweet bread pudding, this recipe involves soaking cubes of bread in a rich custard, then baking the mixture with a crunchy topping until it’s golden brown and ready to serve. Since most of us are probably a bit groggy in the mornings, it’s always helpful to have a few really great make-ahead breakfast recipes. Recipes like this casserole, savory overnight breakfast casserole, and Bisquick breakfast casserole can be prepared the night before and then baked fresh in the morning. This makes breakfast french toast casserole ideal for weekends, weekday mornings, or holidays like Christmas morning. If you’re looking for breakfast recipes that you can make and keep in the freezer, check out my breakfast burritos, baked oatmeal, or zucchini bread recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make the best French toast casserole:
Bread: Choose a sturdy variety of bread that can hold up to being soaked in custard overnight. I’m using Brioche, but you can also try this recipe with challah, crusty French bread, Italian Bread, Texas Toast, or croissants like I use for my croissant bread pudding. Milk: To make an extra creamy custard, use half heavy cream and half milk, or half and half. Otherwise, whole milk is ideal. Low-fat milk will not give us the right texture. Eggs: Use six whole eggs to make the custard for this casserole. Ideally, let the eggs come to room temperature first. They will whisk into the milk best this way. Vanilla and Salt: To elevate the simple flavors of milk, eggs, and bread. Crumb Topping: Cold, cubed butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon come together to make the crunchiest topping.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How To Make French Toast casserole
If you plan to bake this dish right away, start by preheating the oven to 350°F/180°C.
Recipe Tips
Choose the right bread: This recipe won’t work well with regular sandwich bread. It’s too soft. Pick up a loaf of hearty bread like Brioche or Sourdough. It’s best if you get an unsliced loaf so that you can cut it yourself into the perfect cubes! Try adding bacon: Bits of crispy bacon, cooked sausage, or ham will add a savory and salty flavor to your breakfast casserole. Other add-ins to try: Chopped apple, fresh blueberries, mini chocolate chips, or chopped walnuts can all be mixed in with the bread and custard.
Storing Tips
After baking, you should store any leftover French toast casserole in the fridge. If properly stored in an airtight container it should last for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
French Toast Casserole Serving Ideas
The basic requirements for serving French toast casserole are a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a drizzle of real maple syrup! You can also go above and beyond, and try this with my homemade vanilla creme anglaise sauce. Other tasty toppings for French toast casserole include whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fresh berries, strawberry sauce, and homemade Nutella. French Toast Casserole is a brilliant and time-saving way to make the best holiday breakfast! It’s great for regular mornings too. Make things easier on yourself and prep this breakfast bake the night before, and don’t forget to save the recipe for next year. © Little Sunny Kitchen
