French Toast Casserole

This french toast casserole is pieces of challah bread soaked in a sweet custard mixture, then topped with cinnamon streusel and baked to golden brown perfection. A make ahead breakfast option that’s perfect for serving a crowd.

I love to host brunch parties, and I look for recipes that can be prepared in advance, yet are hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites. Some of my favorite brunch options include hash brown egg casserole, baked oatmeal and this decadent french toast casserole.

My kids request french toast for breakfast all the time, but who has time to stand at the stove flipping piece after piece of bread? This french toast casserole is so much easier to make, and you can even assemble it the night before, then pop it in the oven in the morning when you’re ready to eat!

How do you make french toast casserole?

French toast casserole is made in two parts, the casserole and the cinnamon streusel topping. To make the casserole, cut up bread cubes and place them in a baking pan. Make a custard mixture to pour over the bread by whisking together eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, cream and vanilla. Let the bread soak in the egg mixture in the fridge for at least a few hours so that it has time to absorb all the flavors.

For the cinnamon streusel topping, mix together flour, cinnamon, sugar and salt in a bowl. Take cold slices of butter and mix them in until topping turns into crumbles. When you are ready to bake the french toast, just put the crumbles over the bread mixture and bake it all together. Once the french toast is browned and cooked through, take it out of the oven, let it cool a bit and serve it with syrup and fresh fruit.

Tips for french toast casserole

• Cut the bread into similar sized pieces so that they will absorb the egg mixture at the same rate and cook evenly.
• The casserole must be refrigerated for a minimum of 2 hours to let the egg mixture soak in before baking it, but refrigerating it overnight is even better!
• You can also make the streusel the night before. Just store it separately from the casserole in a bag in the refrigerator, then sprinkle it over the casserole before it goes in the oven.
• Top your casserole with fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream or a combination of the three.

How long does french toast casserole last in the refrigerator?

Cooked french toast casserole stays good in a refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warmed through.

What is the best bread for french toast?

The best breads for french toast are fluffy so they can absorb the egg, milk and sugar and they are sturdy so that they maintain their shape. I like to use challah bread because it soaks up liquids well and has a great flavor. If I don’t have any challah around, I like to get a loaf of french bread or brioche. French bread is a little less sturdy, but it has a nice, mild flavor. Brioche is a little more firm and has a rich, buttery flavor. Another option is a loaf of sourdough, which will bring sour and savory notes to the dish.

Regardless of what bread you choose, get a whole, unsliced loaf so that you can cut your own cubes of bread that are large enough to hold their shape.

Can you freeze baked french toast?

You can freeze baked french toast. Refrigerate the casserole and cut it into squares. Individually wrap those slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to go in the freezer. You can keep the casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months. To warm up a slice, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator, then microwave it for 30 seconds or until warm.

This french toast casserole is a great way to make french toast for a crowd without standing over a griddle. The flavors and textures just can’t be beat!

More breakfast recipes you’ll enjoy

• Breakfast Burritos
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Dutch Baby Pancake
• Buttermilk Waffles
• Sticky Buns