French Toast Warm Casserole

A warm, comforting breakfast casserole featuring custardy day-old bread, baked to golden perfection with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

The first time I made French Toast Bake, the aroma filled the house and everyone woke up excited to dig in. It quickly became our go-to dish for holiday mornings and cozy weekends.

Ingredients

• Bread: 1 loaf (about 400 g) day-old bread (such as brioche or challah), cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
• Custard: 6 large eggs, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt
• Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare dish:

Grease a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.

Make custard:

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

Soak bread:

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.

Create topping:

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture over the top of the casserole.

Chill:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Preheat oven:

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while the oven heats.

Bake:

Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serve:

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.

Save

I made this French Toast Bake with my kids and they loved mixing the custard and sprinkling cinnamon over the bread. It was a fun family moment from start to finish.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with fresh berries, breakfast sausages, or a simple fruit salad to balance every bite.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains about 320 calories, 13 g total fat, 40 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.

Save

This French Toast Bake is a family favorite that brings comfort and warmth to any breakfast table. It is perfect for sharing on weekends and celebrations.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?

Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy, but slightly stale fresh bread can also be used.

→ How long should the casserole soak before baking?

Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes helps the custard fully soak into the bread; overnight soaking yields the best texture.

→ What bread types are ideal for this dish?

Rich breads like brioche or challah provide a tender crumb and absorb custard nicely, enhancing flavor and texture.

→ Can I add nuts to the topping?

Yes, adding pecans or walnuts gives a pleasant crunch and nutty contrast to the soft custard and sweet topping.

→ Are dairy-free alternatives suitable?

Using plant-based milk and cream alternatives works well, though it may slightly alter taste and texture.