If you're tired of the same old breakfast options and you’re looking for something to impress your family and friends, then this French toast casserole recipe is exactly what you need. It's a delightful twist on the classic French toast, and it's perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings when you want to treat yourself to something extra special.
Taking your favorite breakfast dish and turning it into a casserole makes it so much easier to feed a crowd, as you can mix the ingredients together, pop them into a baking dish, and bake in the oven. No time standing at the stove is necessary. While the casserole is baking away, you’re free to enjoy your guests.
This dish is perfect for almost any occasion. We like to serve it drizzled with maple syrup for brunch or breakfast. But honestly, it would be just as delightful for dessert, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Here are the basics for making our French toast casserole recipe. You’ll see just how easy it is to make this delightfully delicious brunch or breakfast treat! Follow the recipe for the specifics, so your French toast casserole will turn out perfect.
Pick out 2 loaves of either French or Italian bread, usually found in the bakery section of the grocery store. Using a serrated knife, cut the loaves of the bread into 1 1/2-inch cubes until you have 10 cups. Save the remaining bread for another use.
In large bowl, mix milk, melted butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Add the bread, and stir to coat the cubes with the custard. Pour it into a baking dish.
The French toast casserole is perfectly done if baked until a knife comes out clean when inserted an inch from the edge rather than the center of the casserole (a knife inserted in the center of the bread pudding may not come out clean). This will prevent the custard from overbaking.
Allow the baked French toast to cool for 15 minutes on a cooling rack before serving.
Whether you’re serving this oven-baked French toast for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, it’s sure to make the meal unforgettable. Our French toast casserole is even more memorable when served with warm maple syrup. Don’t stop there, though! Fresh raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, or any berry you’d like would also be a wonderful addition. And, if maple syrup isn’t you’re favorite, feel free to serve with strawberry or blueberry syrup and a generous dollop of whipped cream
Of course, you may want to serve a few side dishes to round out your meal.
Scrambled Eggs are always a favorite at brunch and easy to make for a crowd or customize to your liking.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is an excellent addition to any breakfast or brunch with the classic combination of spicy sausage, diced hash brown potatoes and cheese.
To enjoy French toast casserole at its best, we recommend serving it while it’s warm from the oven. If you find yourself with leftovers, place them in a glass storage container, or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 days, although it will be less moist the longer it sits.
Freezing is not recommended. The texture of the bread will not hold up well to freezing, thawing, and reheating.
To reheat leftovers, spoon a serving into a microwavable bowl. Cover and microwave on Medium-High (70%) about 1 minute or until warm in the center. Serve with warm maple syrup or sweetened whipped cream.
Now that you’ve mastered our French toast casserole recipe, you might be ready to explore other types of French toast. Of course, the world of French toast is a big one, with all kinds of options, and we have plenty to choose from right here at Betty Crocker.
Overnight French Toast removes the stress of making breakfast with this make-ahead glorious orange version.
Stuffed French Toast Sticks brings creativity to the breakfast table with customizable fillings such cream cheese, apple, or peanut butter.
Cinnamon Batter-Dipped French Toast takes the classic dish to a whole new level.
Bananas Foster French Toast brings the ooh-la-la to the brunch table.
Warm, real maple syrup is a luxurious topping for this casserole that really drives home the French toast flavor, but you can also serve it with whipped cream. Either way, fresh berries always add color and flavor to this dish.
Breads vary a great deal in denseness and firmness, which is why we give a weight amount (20 ounces) in our ingredient list.
| Food Component / Nutrient | Amount | % , Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 9g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 4&½g | 23% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2&½g | % Value Not Available |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | % Value Not Available |
| Omega-3 | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 440mg | 18% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43g | 14% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 5% |
| Soluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Insoluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Sugars | 20g | % Value Not Available |
| Protein | 11g | % Value Not Available |
| Vitamin D | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Calcium | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Iron | Value Not Available | 10% |
| Potassium | 220mg | 6% |
| Vitamin A | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Vitamin C | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Vitamin E | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Thiamin | Value Not Available | 25% |
| Riboflavin | Value Not Available | 30% |
| Niacin | Value Not Available | 10% |
| Vitamin B6 | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Folic Acid | Value Not Available | 20% |
| Vitamin B12 | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Pantothenic Acid | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Phosphorus | Value Not Available | 20% |
| Magnesium | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Zinc | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Manganese | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Selenium | Value Not Available | 35% |
| Copper | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Beta-Carotene | Value Not Available | % Value Not Available |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | ||
