Description
This cozy Homemade French Toast Casserole is baked golden with a soft custard-soaked center and crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. Perfect for holiday mornings, brunch parties, or lazy weekends, it’s easy to prepare ahead and feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 loaf (14-16 oz) day-old brioche or challah, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.75 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup light brown sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
Powdered sugar or maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed bread evenly in it. Lightly press the bread down to ensure a level surface.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 4 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and melted butter until it forms a paste. Drop spoonfuls over the top of the casserole.
4. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and center is set. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.
Notes
This recipe works best with day-old brioche or challah for optimal soak and structure.
Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for easy morning baking.
Add fruit or nuts before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: French toast casserole, make-ahead brunch, holiday breakfast