If there’s one breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a busy morning, it’s French Toast Casserole. You know those days when you wake up already feeling two steps behind? When lunch boxes, work emails, and a mysteriously disappearing left shoe all demand your attention? That’s when this recipe swoops in like the breakfast hero we all deserve.
As someone who lives for comfort cooking with minimal effort, I can promise you—this dish delivers all the weekend-brunch joy without the weekend-brunch stress. It’s sweet, cozy, and practically cooks itself while you handle the morning chaos (or enjoy a blissfully quiet cup of coffee… if the stars align).
This French Toast Casserole has been a lifesaver in my kitchen more times than I can count. Whenever I know the next day is going to be a whirlwind, I whip this up the night before, tuck it into the fridge, and go to bed knowing tomorrow’s breakfast is handled. That tiny feeling of victory? Oh, it’s real.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Casserole
Let’s be honest—French toast is fabulous. But French Toast Casserole? It’s the glow-up version. You get all the custardy goodness, buttery edges, and cinnamon-sugar comfort, but you also get to skip flipping slices on a skillet while yelling, “Nobody touch the pan!”
Here’s why this recipe earns a permanent spot in your rotation:
- Perfect for busy mornings: Prep it ahead, bake it when needed.
- Family-approved: Especially by kids, spouses, brunch guests, and that neighbor who “just happened to stop by.”
- Feeds a crowd: A 9×13 dish means everyone gets their share—no fighting over the last piece.
- Customizable: Brioche, sourdough, challah—use what you’ve got.
And the best part? The house smells like you hired a professional baker at 7 a.m.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this heavenly casserole, broken down so even your pre-coffee brain can handle it:
- Bread: 1 loaf (24 oz) sourdough, brioche, challah, or French bread
- Eggs: 8 large
- Milk: 2 cups
- Heavy cream: ½ cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon
- Sugar: ¾ cup
Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
How to Make French Toast Casserole
This recipe is straightforward, comforting, and designed for real life—the kind with jobs, kids, pets, and maybe a partner who “forgets” the dishes.
1. Prep the Bread Base
Cut your loaf into cozy little 1-inch cubes. Scatter them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This gives you the perfect mix of soft centers and golden edges.
2. Mix the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar.
Pour this gorgeous mixture evenly over the bread. If it splashes, don’t worry—you’re still a kitchen superstar.
3. Let It Soak
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better.
This is when the magic happens—the bread absorbs all that custardy goodness so your casserole bakes up rich, soft, and absolutely dreamy.
4. Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter until it resembles crumbly little pebbles of joy.
Place this topping in a resealable bag and refrigerate it overnight too.
5. Bake It to Brunchy Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Sprinkle your chilled crumble topping over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, depending on how soft or firm you like it.
Your kitchen will start smelling like a cinnamon-sugar dream that could turn even the grumpiest morning person into a believer.
Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole
Here’s where we chat like two friends in the kitchen:
- Bread choice matters: Brioche gives a buttery richness. Sourdough adds a little tang. Challah? Soft and dreamy.
- Let it soak fully: Don’t rush the soak. Overnight is ideal. The custard needs time to work its magic.
- Love a crisp top? Bake closer to 60 minutes.
- Prefer it softer? Pull it out at 45–50 minutes.
- Add-ins: Blueberries, pecans, chocolate chips… go wild. Just don’t blame me if your kids start requesting custom versions every weekend.
- If your topping looks too thick once baked, relax—that’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.
And for a little personal story:
This casserole saved me during a week when everything felt like one giant to-do list. I prepped it at 10 p.m., half-asleep, wearing mismatched socks. The next morning, the smell alone felt like emotional therapy. Sometimes breakfast really can make the whole day better.
Slow Cooker Option (Set-It-and-Forget-It Version)
If you’d rather let your slow cooker work its magic, this French Toast Casserole adapts beautifully. The result is extra soft, custardy, and perfect for those mornings when you want breakfast to cook itself while you sip a quiet cup of coffee (or wrangle the kids—no judgment here!).
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker generously with butter or cooking spray.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and add them to the slow cooker insert.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the cubes down so they soak up the liquid.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms small crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the soaked bread.
- Cover and cook:
- LOW for 3–4 hours, or
- HIGH for 1.5–2 hours
- For a golden top, remove the slow cooker insert (if safe to do so) and place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. You can also use an air-fryer lid if your model has one.
Texture Notes
- The slow cooker version is softer and more bread-pudding-like than the oven bake.
- The topping stays delicious but won’t get deeply crisp unless you finish it under the broiler.
- It’s an excellent make-ahead or holiday-morning breakfast when oven space is tight.
Slow Cooker Tip From My Kitchen
I love prepping this the night before in the slow cooker insert, keeping it covered in the fridge, and simply popping it into the base in the morning. Nothing feels better than knowing breakfast is already taken care of before your day even begins!
FAQs About French Toast Casserole
Can I substitute the bread?
Yes! You can use brioche, challah, French bread, or even leftover rolls. The key is choosing bread that holds up well to soaking.
Can I make this French Toast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely—that’s the whole beauty of it. Prep the casserole and topping the night before, then bake in the morning.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I serve with French Toast Casserole?
Fresh fruit, bacon, sausage links, or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, warm maple syrup is always a win.
Bring Comfort to Your Table
If you’re craving a breakfast that tastes like home, this French Toast Casserole is the answer. It’s warm, comforting, and wonderfully simple—perfect for busy mornings, slow Sundays, or anytime you want to treat yourself without extra work.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope this becomes one of those recipes your family begs for again and again. Because honestly? There’s nothing better than a dish that fills your home with sweetness and your morning with ease.
Let this French Toast Casserole be the cozy tradition your mornings didn’t know they needed.
More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re in the mood to keep the comfort cooking going, here are a few delicious ideas your kitchen will adore next. Each one pairs beautifully with the warm, homey vibes of French toast casserole:
- For a savory addition to your breakfast table, try this comforting Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole.
- When you need a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dinner, the creamy and cozy Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Casserole is always a winner.
- If you feel like adding something sweet to your day, treat yourself to a batch of festive Peppermint Swirl Fudge.
- For a warm bowl of comfort, especially on chilly days, curl up with this rich and cozy French Onion Beef Short Rib Soup.
- And if you love seasonal breakfasts, you’ll adore the fall-inspired flavors of this delicious Pumpkin French Toast Breakfast.
French Toast Casserole: A Cozy, Irresistible Morning Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
A warm, comforting French Toast Casserole made with custard-soaked bread, a buttery cinnamon crumble topping, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holidays, weekends, or make-ahead breakfasts.
Ingredients
Casserole:
1 (24-ounce) loaf sourdough, brioche, challah, or French bread
8 large eggs
2 cups milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¾ cup sugar
Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and scatter evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
To make the topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and blend until crumbly.
Store the topping in a small resealable bag and refrigerate overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F.
Uncover the baking dish and sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the bread.
Bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, depending on preferred softness.
Serve warm with powdered sugar or maple syrup.
Notes
Brioche or challah creates a rich, soft casserole; sourdough adds slight tang and structure.
Bake closer to 45 minutes for a softer texture; up to 60 minutes for crispier edges.
Add-ins like blueberries, pecans, or chocolate chips can be mixed into the bread layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes + overnight chill
- Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/10 of casserole)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg