Name: Irresistible French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups cubed day-old brioche or French bread; 6 large eggs; 1 ½ cups whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup brown sugar

Golden, custard-soaked bread cubes baked to perfection with a caramelized cinnamon sugar topping — this Irresistible French Toast Casserole is exactly what cozy mornings call for. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, feeding a crowd on holiday mornings, or craving something soul-warming, this dish delivers comfort in every bite.

What makes it truly irresistible? It’s all about the texture contrast: crunchy on the outside, soft and custardy in the middle, with warm vanilla and cinnamon notes in every forkful. Plus, you can prep it the night before and simply bake it in the morning, which means less stress and more time to savor.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible French Toast Casserole

This isn’t your typical French toast. This casserole turns humble ingredients into something decadent, family-friendly, and weekend-ready. Here’s why it stands out:

Make-ahead magic: Prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Crowd-pleaser: Feeds a hungry brunch crew without flipping a single slice.
Flexible flavor: Use your favorite bread or toss in extras like pecans or berries.
Simple but stunning: Just a few pantry staples transform into an eye-catching breakfast.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

While you can use almost any bread, richer or slightly stale varieties work best. Think brioche, challah, or French bread—they soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Avoid soft sandwich bread unless it’s been left out overnight. For added texture, combine two types of bread or include crusty ends. Want to take it to the next level? Try using cinnamon swirl bread or leftover croissants.

Ingredients for the Irresistible French Toast Casserole

To create the perfect French toast casserole, every ingredient has its role:

Bread (day-old brioche or French bread): Soaks up the custard without getting mushy.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the dish its rich texture.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard base.
Heavy Cream: Gives the casserole an extra luxurious touch.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard.
Brown Sugar: Used for that caramelized top and deeper molasses flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth.
Cinnamon: Classic breakfast spice that gives coziness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Butter: Helps form that irresistible crust on top.

How To Make the Irresistible French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Cube the Bread

Cut your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them in a greased baking dish. Use a mix of crusty and soft pieces for the best texture.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes.

Step 3: Soak and Chill

Lightly press the bread down with a spatula to ensure it soaks evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Before baking, mix brown sugar and melted butter. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread. This forms the golden, sweet crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until puffed and golden. The center should be set but still slightly soft. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Irresistible French Toast Casserole

This casserole feeds 8 to 10 people comfortably, making it ideal for holidays, brunch buffets, or lazy Sunday mornings. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream.

To store leftovers, cover the casserole with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.