Name: French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-479518H40M54S
Total time: PT-479518H40M54S
Yield: 12
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 14-16 oz loaf of Challah bread; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup cream; ⅔ cup brown sugar; 6 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 5 tablespoons butter

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French toast casserole brings together soft, custardy bread and a crisp, cinnamon brown sugar topping for a breakfast treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Ideal for lazy weekends or special brunches.

piece of French toast casserole with raspberries and powdered sugar on grey plate

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This casserole offers a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite. It features all the familiar warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla you’d expect from your favorite French toast recipe, but in a convenient family-style casserole.

The crispy, buttery topping with cinnamon and brown sugar complements the soft, tender French toast underneath perfectly.

Why I love this recipe

It’s incredibly easy to prepare—just mix, soak, and bake!
You can make it ahead of time, which means less stress in the morning.
The combination of creamy, custard-like bread with a crunchy topping is irresistible.

Ingredients

French toast casserole ingredient on white countertop

butter
loaf of Challah bread
whole milk
cream
brown sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
cinnamon
salt
all-purpose flour

Step by step

Prep: Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter.
Bread: Chop the bread into large cubes and arrange them evenly in the dish.
Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

challah bread cut into cubes on cutting board

Topping: While the casserole is chilling, mix together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Bake: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°Fahrenheit. Remove the casserole from the fridge and evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the bread mixture. Bakeon the middle rack for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cool: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

French toast casserole in white casserole dish

Tips for Best Results

Use older, dry bread for the best results. If you don’t have stale bread, remove it from the bag and leave it uncovered on the counter overnight.
To ensure the egg mixture soaks into the bread thoroughly, whisk the eggs well, you can use a standard or immersion blender to help ensure they are thoroughly blended.
Use a deep casserole dish, the casserole will rises and puffs up while baking and then return to its original depth as it cools.

Variations

You can swap out the Challah loaf for crusty French bread, brioche, or sourdough.
If you prefer, you can substitute the heavy cream with half and half.

Serving suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a range of recipes for a balanced and satisfying breakfast or brunch. Here are some ideas:

top the casserole with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar or topped with maple syrup
serve with breakfast sausages or bacon to balance the sweetness of the casserole
serve with homemade pecan cinnamon roll biscuits for a sweet addition

Storage

Store this casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer-term storage, wrap cooled slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.

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