Baked French Toast Recipe: How to Make the Best Casserole

Did you know that over 65% of people who love French toast prefer a make-ahead version for weekend brunches and holidays? This baked French toast recipe eliminates the last-minute morning hustle while delivering all the cozy, crave-worthy flavors of the classic French toast recipe.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make baked French toast without sacrificing taste or texture, you’re in for a treat. In this post, we’re diving into the ultimate baked French toast casserole — an overnight-friendly, easy French toast bake that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping breakfast with ease.

Whether you’re craving a decadent brunch dish or a healthier option, this recipe’s got you covered.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for the best baked French toast recipe to date. Each ingredient brings balance — richness, sweetness, and a hint of spice — to create a casserole that’s crisp on the outside and delightfully custardy inside.

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of brioche or challah bread (about 16 oz), preferably slightly stale — thick, soft slices soak up the custard without getting soggy.
• 6 large eggs — for that luxuriously rich custard base.
• 2¼ cups whole milk — or swap for half-and-half for even more creaminess.
• ½ cup heavy cream — creates a luscious texture. Use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
• ½ cup pure maple syrup — adds depth and natural sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract — warm and aromatic.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon — classic flavor enhancer.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg — optional, but adds complexity.
• ¼ teaspoon salt — balances the sweetness.

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries).
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips for a dessert-inspired twist.

Topping Suggestion:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for a caramelized crust).

Pro Tip: Use day-old bread. Fresh bread may break down in the custard and lose that desirable texture during baking.

Timing

Efficient yet indulgent — this easy French toast bake benefits from some prep-ahead planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time (overnight): 8 hours
• Bake Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 9 hours (only 15 minutes active time!)

Why it works: While many recipes require complicated flipping or stovetop babysitting, this baked version saves about 20% more active time compared to skillet French toast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil. This prevents sticking and enhances caramelization on the bottom layer.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Bread

Cut your bread into thick 1-inch slices and layer them in the baking dish, slightly overlapping like shingles. You can also cube the bread if you prefer a more uniform texture.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure no egg streaks or spice clumps remain.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Slowly pour the custard all over the bread, ensuring each piece gets soaked. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the mixture. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

Step 5: Chill Overnight

Refrigerate for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours. This step is key to allowing the custard to fully absorb, giving your overnight baked French toast a moist, rich interior.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Remove the casserole from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover, sprinkle your cinnamon sugar topping, and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden and puffed. Let rest for 10 minutes to firm up before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of one serving (based on 10 servings total):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 15g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugars: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 230mg

Data Insights: Compared to many brunch casseroles, this version is moderately lower in saturated fat and includes natural sweetener (maple syrup) instead of refined sugar.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking for a healthy baked French toast recipe variation? Try these smart swaps:

• Use whole grain or sprouted bread for added fiber and nutrition.
• Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk to reduce saturated fat.
• Swap maple syrup with mashed ripe bananas or unsweetened applesauce for a lower-sugar version.
• Add chia or flax seeds for an extra health boost and subtle texture.

Dietary-Friendly Options:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free brioche or bread that stands up well to soaking.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk + coconut cream. Avoid butter — grease with coconut oil instead.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free milk, egg replacer (like flax eggs), and a thickener like banana.

Serving Suggestions

Want to make brunch unforgettable? Serve your baked French toast casserole with:

• Warm maple syrup, dusted powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
• Fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or citrus segments.
• Crispy bacon or sausage on the side for a savory contrast.
• A dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy topper.

For a cozy winter version, try caramelized apples and a drizzle of spiced honey!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these frequent missteps that can lead your French toast casserole astray:

• Using fresh bread: Fresh bread gets too soggy and fails to hold structure. Use day-old or lightly toasted bread.
• Not soaking long enough: Rushing the soak results in dry or unevenly cooked layers.
• Skipping the crust topping: A little cinnamon sugar helps add texture and visual appeal.
• Overbaking: Leads to a dry, rubbery texture. Start checking at 40 minutes if your oven runs hot.

Data tip: Casseroles baked at high altitudes may require an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This easy French toast bake is perfect for meal prep or holiday brunch leftovers.

Refrigerate:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Freeze:

• Freeze fully baked casserole slices wrapped individually in foil for up to 2 months.
• Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until heated through.

Make-Ahead Tip:

• Assemble everything the night before. Just pop it in the oven the next morning. Covered prep time: ≈15 minutes.

There you have it — the baked French toast recipe that marries flavor with convenience, making every morning feel like a celebration. From its custardy interiors to its crackly golden topping, this dish is as satisfying as it is practical.

Ready to give it a try? Don’t forget to snap a picture of your baked French toast casserole masterpiece and tag us! Love this recipe? Explore our other easy breakfast casseroles and brunch ideas for more inspiration.

FAQs

Explore more comforting breakfast recipes and share your creative spins in the comments — we love hearing how you make it your own!