This Baked French Toast Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish. Thick slices of bread are soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and baked to golden perfection under a buttery, sweet streusel topping.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
1.For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
Directions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread bread cubes inside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly to ensure all pieces are soaked.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the streusel topping over the soaked bread.
- Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optional: drizzle with maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 370 per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugars: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
Why This Baked French Toast Casserole Is a Must-Try
This casserole stands out because it brings the comfort of traditional French toast into a more convenient, crowd-friendly format. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or lazy weekends, it eliminates the need for flipping individual slices and instead offers a warm, sliceable dish that’s easy to serve and share.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the most appealing features of this recipe is how effortlessly it fits into a busy schedule. Since it’s meant to be assembled the night before, it saves time in the morning. Simply wake up, preheat the oven, and bake. This makes it a smart choice for entertaining guests or preparing a special breakfast without morning stress.
Customizable for Any Taste
This dish is easily adapted to different palates. Swap the type of bread, play with spice blends, or add ingredients like chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts. The custard base provides a versatile foundation that can complement a variety of sweet or even savory flavor additions.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Baked French toast casserole shines during holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day. It’s indulgent enough to feel special, and its warm, inviting aroma fills the house with a cozy vibe that elevates any celebration.
Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved
With its soft texture, sweet flavor, and cinnamon streusel topping, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults. It feels like a treat but is hearty enough to be a complete breakfast, especially when paired with fruit or breakfast meats.
Great Use for Stale Bread
This dish is also a clever solution for leftover or slightly stale bread. In fact, slightly dried-out bread soaks up the custard better, resulting in a more satisfying texture. It’s an excellent way to reduce food waste without sacrificing flavor.
Delightful Texture Combination
One of the joys of this casserole is the contrast in textures. The bread absorbs the custard and bakes into a rich, creamy interior, while the cinnamon streusel crisps on top, adding a sweet crunch that makes each bite irresistible.
Delicious Cold or Reheated
While it’s best fresh from the oven, this casserole is also great when reheated. It can be microwaved or warmed in the oven, and it even tastes good cold straight from the fridge, making leftovers a convenient option.
Pairs Well with a Variety of Sides
This recipe works beautifully alongside many breakfast staples. Serve it with crispy bacon, sausage links, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream. It balances sweet and savory flavors well and rounds out any breakfast spread.
Streusel Topping Adds Extra Indulgence
The streusel topping really sets this dish apart. Made from flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, it bakes into a golden crust that offers a satisfying crunch and enhances the flavor profile with caramelized, buttery sweetness.
Freezer-Friendly for Meal Planning
This casserole freezes well, both before and after baking. Prepare it in advance, wrap tightly, and freeze. When needed, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake fresh. This makes it an ideal option for batch cooking or long-term planning.
Perfect for Brunch Buffets
Hosting a brunch? This casserole is a guaranteed hit. It holds well at room temperature for a while, looks appealing when served in squares, and satisfies guests with its dessert-like character while still being a hearty main dish.
Low Effort, High Reward
Even beginner cooks can successfully make this recipe. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are easy to find, and the final product is consistently delicious. It’s one of those dishes that impresses without requiring advanced culinary skills.
Adaptable to Dietary Needs
This recipe can be tailored to fit various dietary preferences. Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version, or swap dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter to make it dairy-free. It can also be sweetened with natural substitutes like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
Loved by Guests of All Ages
Whether you’re serving a room full of kids or adults, this baked French toast is always a crowd-pleaser. The nostalgic flavor, approachable texture, and dessert-like appeal make it a universal favorite across age groups.
Ideal for Potlucks or Gifting
This casserole travels well and can be easily transported to a potluck, church breakfast, or as a thoughtful food gift to a new parent or a friend recovering from illness. It’s comforting, generous, and always appreciated.
Balanced Sweetness for Breakfast
While sweet, this casserole isn’t overwhelmingly sugary. The balance of custard and spice ensures that it feels indulgent without becoming cloying, especially if served with fresh fruit or a protein-rich side.
Elevates Everyday Breakfasts
You don’t need a special event to enjoy this dish. It’s simple enough to make any day feel a little more special. Try preparing it on a Sunday night and enjoy a few luxurious weekday breakfasts without extra effort in the morning.
Easy to Double or Halve
Cooking for two or a crowd? This recipe scales beautifully. Halve the ingredients for a smaller baking dish or double it to fill two pans. The ratios remain reliable, and the outcome is consistently tasty.
Great Introduction to Baked Breakfasts
If you’re new to baked breakfast recipes, this casserole is the perfect starting point. It introduces the concept of baked egg-and-bread dishes in an approachable, delicious format. From here, you can experiment with savory strata or other breakfast bakes.
Conclusion
This baked French toast casserole with cinnamon streusel is more than just a convenient breakfast option—it’s a delightful comfort food that brings people together. With its easy preparation, versatile customization, and universally loved flavor, it earns a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding family on a holiday morning, or just want to treat yourself to something warm and delicious, this recipe checks every box. Its blend of ease, elegance, and indulgence makes it a timeless addition to your kitchen repertoire.
