The best French toast casserole is a fusion of tender, custard-soaked bread with a golden, crisp topping, creating a harmony of textures in every bite. This casserole, perfect for busy mornings or leisurely brunches, is surprisingly easy to make and is sure to impress. It combines the classic comfort of French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a special weekend treat, this casserole is bound to become a favorite. Its blend of sweet flavors and rich, creamy texture make it a dish that both kids and adults will love, turning an ordinary morning into an extraordinary one.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions
Diving into French toast casserole, let’s explore the ingredients that make this dish so delightful and their possible substitutes to accommodate different dietary needs or pantry limitations. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s signature flavor and texture, and knowing how to adapt them ensures this casserole can be enjoyed by everyone.
- Bread: French bread, challah, or French country bread are ideal for their ability to absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
- Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess, but 2% milk can be used for a lighter version. For a dairy-free alternative, your favorite plant-based milk can be used.
- Eggs: Essential for the custard base, providing structure and richness. For an egg white only version, substitute 2 egg whites for every 1 egg called for in the recipe. For a plant-based substitute, use a commercial egg replacer or flax egg.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. If unavailable, granulated sugar can be used.
- Vanilla Extract & Spices: Vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg are key for flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness; half-and-half can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Berries: Optional but add a fresh, tart contrast to the sweetness. Use any berries you like or omit them entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just add the topping before baking.
French bread, challah, or French country bread are great choices due to their dense texture.
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition.
The top should be golden brown, and the center should be set without being too jiggly.
Visual Guide to Making French Toast Casserole
Flavor Options
To keep your mornings interesting, try these flavor variations:
- Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and extra cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist.
- Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise that kids will adore.
- Berry Medley: Mix in a variety of berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of freshness.
- Pumpkin Spice: In the fall, add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the custard mixture for a seasonal treat.
- Coffee Creamer: For a unique and flavorful twist, replace the milk, cream, sugar, and spices with 2 1/2 cups of your favorite flavored coffee creamer. Whisk the creamer with the 8 eggs called for in the recipe and pour over the cubed bread. This variation infuses the casserole with the subtle flavors and sweetness of the creamer, adding a delightful new dimension to the dish.
Toppings
A French toast casserole is delightful on its own, but the right toppings can elevate it to new heights of deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for extra sweetness, a touch of freshness, or a bit of crunch, there’s a plethora of options to choose from. Here are some topping ideas to make your casserole truly special:
- Syrups and Sauces: Traditional maple syrup is always a winner, but don’t hesitate to try other flavors like blueberry, strawberry, or Cinnamon Buttermilk Syrup. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of fruit compote can also add a delightful twist.
- Fresh Fruit: Nothing beats the freshness of seasonal fruits. Berries, sliced bananas, diced apples, or peaches offer a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. In the summer, try tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a unique twist.
- Whipped Cream or Yogurt: A dollop of whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, while a spoonful of Greek yogurt can provide a tangy contrast and make the dish a bit lighter.
- Sweet Spreads: Nutella, peanut butter, or any nut or seed butter can add a creamy, rich element. These are particularly popular with kids and can make the casserole more filling.
- Spices and Herbs: A light dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg, or powdered sugar can enhance the flavors beautifully. For a hint of freshness, consider a sprinkle of finely chopped mint or basil.
- Crunchy Elements: Chopped nuts, granola, toasted coconut flakes, or a crumble topping made from brown sugar and butter can add an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy Casserole: Ensure the bread is adequately cubed and the egg mixture is evenly distributed. Avoid over-soaking the bread.
- Dry Casserole: Cover with foil if the top is browning too quickly. Make sure not to overbake.
- Not Sweet Enough: Adjust the amount of sugar in the custard or topping, or serve with additional maple syrup.
Tips From the Chef
- Use stale bread in your casserole. It absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Whisk the egg mixture thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking for it to set properly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
French toast casserole is best eaten fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave in 30 second increments until warmed through.
More Hot Breakfast Recipes
Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
Is the butter supposed to be “soft” or melted……both ways are mentioned in the recipe. I’m making this right now, melted a little since I wasn’t sure. Anxious for the buzzers go off so we can try this!
Softened butter! That will give you the “wet sand” texture to sprinkle across the top.
Can this be made the night before and bake next morning?
It certainly can! Just add the topping on right before.
Have made this recipe a few times now and a big hit all around. Please fix the recipe instructions though for the topping! I don’t make this often, usually yearly for Christmas morning breakfast and the butter didn’t seem right….melted it as the recipe and ingredient list states, however, after seeing that the topping wasn’t it’s usual texture I knew I screwed up somewhere. I watched the video and realized I should have used softened butter as I have done in years past. Not sure why there is the discrepancy in the instructions and video. Hoping it still turns out ok tomorrow with the liquid topping.
Thank you will plan for my Xmas brunch
I made this today using brioche bread and it is awesome. You ladies are the best. I haven’t tried any recipe from this site that is not good.
This is the best and easiest French toast casserole!!!!
This is Fabulous!!!
TheCinnamon Roll syrup is to die for!!!!
I made this over the weekend and it FABULOUS!!!!!! Thanks for always having such awesome recipies
I absolutely loved this recipe!! Sooo delicious 😋 and easy to assemble ingredients!!! Will make again!!!
I love this recipe and have made many variations after doing it the first time directly instructed. I love it with dried up ciabatta bread. I reverse the cream and milk measures and double the cinnamon. Our favorite is blackberry. So good
HOW MANY CUPS OF BREAD?
In the video she says 10-12 cups. Hope that helps.
She says “10-12 cups” in the video.
Do you have any recommendations on making this non dairy? Saw this in my email and would love to try it, but we have a dairy allergy in the fam. 🤔
You can use your favorite non-dairy milk substitute, the higher the fat content the better (oat milk, soy, etc). If you can find non-dry half and half or cream, even better.