French Toast Casserole (Printable)

Fluffy bread cubes baked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard with a sweet brown sugar topping. Ideal for weekend brunch or easy morning meals.

# What You Need:

→ Bread Base

01 - 1 loaf (approximately 1 pound) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Custard Mixture

02 - 6 large eggs
03 - 2 cups whole milk
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cinnamon Topping

10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

# How to Make It:

01 - Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the bread cubes in an even layer across the bottom of the dish.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.
03 - Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or your hands to help it absorb the liquid. Ensure all pieces are soaked.
04 - In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly, well-blended consistency.
05 - Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the soaked bread cubes, covering the entire surface.
06 - Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard.
07 - Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats to 350°F.
08 - Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes to allow the custard to set and the bread to steam.
09 - Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set.
10 - Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally topped with maple syrup or fresh berries.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything gets prepped the night before so you can actually enjoy coffee while it bakes
  • The custard transforms everyday bread into something that tastes like a fancy brunch restaurant
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for breakfast throughout the week
02 -
  • Slightly stale bread works better than fresh because it absorbs the custard without turning mushy
  • Letting the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking helps it cook evenly
  • The center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven
03 -
  • If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes
  • Let it rest 10 minutes before serving so the custard sets up properly

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