Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

There is something about a French toast casserole that just feels like a celebration, even on a totally regular Saturday. It comes out of the oven all golden and puffy and the whole house smells like cinnamon and vanilla and you feel like you are staying at a bed and breakfast, except you are in your own kitchen and you are still in your pajamas. Which is honestly better.

This is also one of those brilliant make-ahead breakfasts where you do the work the night before and then just slide it in the oven in the morning while you have your coffee. Brioche or challah bread is the move here, the richer the bread the more incredible the custard gets once it soaks in overnight.

Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole

Stale or day-old bread is actually ideal because it absorbs the custard without getting mushy. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them sit out for a few hours or toast them lightly in the oven first. Do not skip the overnight soak if you can help it, 30 minutes is the minimum but overnight is where the magic really happens. Brioche and challah are both sold at most grocery store bakeries and are worth the upgrade over regular sandwich bread. The brown sugar and butter dotted on top caramelizes as it bakes and gives you this gorgeous golden crust.

Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

A crowd-pleasing baked French toast casserole with warm cinnamon and a golden custard top, perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunch.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes about 10-12 cups
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter, cubed for the top
• 2 tbsp brown sugar for the top
• powdered sugar and berries for serving optional

Method

 

1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently so all pieces soak it up. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350F. Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar.
5. Bake uncovered 40-45 minutes until golden, puffed, and set in the center.
6. Let cool 5 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries and maple syrup.

Notes

For best results, assemble the night before and refrigerate overnight. The bread soaks up more custard and the flavor is even better.

This one is a crowd-pleaser every single time. Make it for someone you love this weekend and report back in the comments!

xo, Pam