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