Some mornings just call for something warm and sweet. The kind of breakfast that makes your house smell like cinnamon and comfort and just a little bit like you’ve got your life together. That’s where French toast casserole comes in.
This is the breakfast I pull out when I want to feed a bunch of people without losing my mind—or when I want something cozy without flipping a dozen slices of bread over a skillet. It’s buttery. It’s soft in the middle with just enough crisp on top. And it’s one of those things that looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to throw together.
There’s a version for every kind of morning. Need something quick and classic? Got it. Want something sweet and a little indulgent? There’s a cinnamon roll twist that basically tastes like dessert pretending to be breakfast. Or maybe you’ve got a packed morning ahead and want to prep the night before—there’s an overnight version that bakes up like a dream while you drink your coffee in peace.
This post walks you through all three. No weird ingredients. No fussy steps. Just real food that actually turns out how you want it to. If you’re into comfort food, crowd-pleasers, or just want your kitchen to smell like cinnamon sugar and happiness, there’s a French toast casserole here with your name on it.
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The Best Bread to Use for French Toast Casserole
Here’s the thing about French toast casserole—your bread totally matters. Some soak up all that sweet custard and bake into soft, fluffy perfection. Others just sit there like, “No thanks,” and turn into a soggy, sad mess.
If you’ve ever wondered why your casserole came out too wet or too flat, the bread is probably the culprit. And no, not all loaves are created equal.
Let’s talk about the good ones:
Brioche
Soft. A little sweet. Basically the MVP of French toast casserole. It soaks up the egg mixture without falling apart, and it bakes up all golden and dreamy.
Challah
Also great. It’s like brioche’s sturdier cousin. Holds its shape but still soaks up every drop of flavor.
French Bread
This works well if you let it go a little stale. Day-old is perfect. Fresh? Too chewy. It needs some dryness to do the job.
Sourdough
Want a little tang? Sourdough adds this cool flavor contrast to the sweet custard. And it won’t turn to mush, which is always a win.
And now for the breads to skip:
- Super fresh bread? Nope. Won’t absorb enough custard.
- White sandwich bread? Turns to baby food.
- Whole wheat? Strong flavor. Doesn’t play nice with cinnamon and vanilla.
If you only have soft bread, cut it up and let it dry out on the counter for a few hours or toss it in a low oven. Slightly dry and sturdy is the goal. It’s the difference between “meh” and “wow” in a French toast casserole.
Easy Traditional French Toast Casserole
This is the most classic version. It has all the flavors of traditional French toast but in an easy, no-fuss format. It’s buttery, soft, and golden brown on top with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or even breakfast-for-dinner nights.
Ingredients:
- A loaf of bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for richness)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Steps to make it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
- Cut the bread into cubes and place them in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and gently press down so the bread soaks it up.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp on top.
Tips for the best texture:
- Use slightly stale bread so it absorbs more of the custard mixture.
- Let the bread sit in the egg mixture for 10 minutes before baking.
- Add a little nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Serve this with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a simple but delicious breakfast.
Traditional French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche challah, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing the bread down lightly so it absorbs the liquid.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
How I Store and Reheat French Toast Casserole
If there’s one thing I love about French toast casserole, it’s how good the leftovers are. Like, weirdly good. You’d think it might go soggy or dry out, but if you store and reheat it the right way, it holds up like a champ. And on a busy weekday morning? That’s a small miracle.
Here’s how I keep it fresh:
Refrigerator
Once it cools down (don’t rush it), I cover the dish tightly with foil or press plastic wrap right against the surface. Into the fridge it goes, and it’ll be good for up to four days.
Freezer
If I want to save some for later-later, I cut it into slices, wrap each one individually, and toss them into a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about three months.
How I bring it back to life:
Oven – This is my go-to. I preheat to 350°F, cover the slice with foil, and warm it for about 15 minutes. It stays soft in the center and crisp on top.
Microwave – Fast and fine in a pinch. I put a damp paper towel on top so it doesn’t dry out. About 30 to 60 seconds does it.
Air fryer – Perfect if I want those crispy edges again. 350°F for 3–5 minutes, and it’s golden.
Want to freshen it up a little?
- I drizzle on maple syrup before reheating—it adds moisture and makes it feel new.
- A scoop of fruit or a dollop of whipped cream works too.
- If it’s feeling dry, a little melted butter over the top fixes everything.
Leftover French toast casserole is basically breakfast gold. Treat it right, and it’ll treat you right back.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
If you love cinnamon rolls, this one is even better! It’s soft, sweet, and drizzled with icing for that perfect cinnamon roll taste. This one is a little more indulgent, making it great for holidays, brunches, or any morning you want a little something extra.
Ingredients:
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (or make your own)
- 5 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- The icing from the cinnamon rolls
How to make it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
- Cut cinnamon rolls into quarters and place them in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour over the cinnamon roll pieces and gently toss to coat.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
- Drizzle with icing while warm.
Ways to make it even better:
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a little crunch.
- Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the icing for a tangy twist.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch.
This one is rich, gooey, and perfect for a special morning treat. It’s also a great way to make cinnamon rolls without having to frost them individually.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls or homemade, cut into quarters
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Icing from the cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Gently toss to coat the cinnamon roll pieces in the custard mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with the included icing while still warm.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with extra icing, syrup, or fresh fruit.
Creative Toppings for French Toast Casserole
French toast casserole is great on its own, but the right toppings make it even better! Whether you want extra sweetness, crunch, or a little tang, there’s a topping for that.
Sweet and classic options:
- Maple syrup – Always a good choice, warm and drizzled over the top.
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting makes it feel fancy and adds a little extra sweetness.
- Whipped cream – Fluffy, creamy, and delicious. Add a little cinnamon to make it even better.
Fruity and fresh ideas:
- Sliced bananas – A little caramelized banana on top makes it taste extra special.
- Fresh berries – Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries all add a fresh, tart contrast.
- Apple compote – Warm cinnamon apples over French toast casserole? Yes, please.
Crunchy toppings:
- Chopped nuts – Pecans, walnuts, or almonds give a nice contrast to the soft casserole.
- Granola – If you love a little extra crunch, sprinkle some on after baking.
- Toasted coconut – Adds a little tropical twist and a crispy texture.
Unique extras:
- Cream cheese drizzle – Mix softened cream cheese with a little powdered sugar and milk for a tangy-sweet topping.
- Caramel sauce – A little drizzle makes it taste like dessert.
- Nutella or peanut butter – Warm it up slightly and spread it on for a rich, nutty flavor.
The best part of French toast casserole is how easy it is to make it your own. Try a different topping each time and see which one becomes your favorite!
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Mornings can be chaotic, but this make-ahead version saves time. You just mix everything together the night before, let it soak overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning. It’s great for holidays, busy weekdays, or any time you don’t want to do much in the morning.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
How to prepare it:
- Grease a baking dish and add the bread cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour over the bread and gently press down to soak.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar, then drizzle over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until golden brown.
Why this is a great option:
- The bread soaks up all the flavors, making it extra rich.
- No morning prep—just pop it in the oven.
- Perfect for meal prepping or serving guests without the stress.
This version is soft, custardy, and full of warm spice. It pairs well with fresh fruit, syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, pressing the bread down lightly to soak up the liquid.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight for at least 8 hours.
- In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix melted butter and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Drizzle brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
How I Tone Down the Sweetness Without Losing What Makes It Good
I love a cozy, sweet breakfast as much as anyone—but sometimes French toast casserole comes out tasting more like dessert than something you’re supposed to eat before noon. And honestly? That’s fine if that’s the goal. But if I’m serving it for breakfast or brunch, I like to pull the sweetness back just a little. Still yummy, just not sugar overload.
Here’s how I keep the flavor but ease up on the sweet stuff:
Start with the custard
Most recipes call for half a cup of sugar, but I’ve found that cutting it to 1/4 cup is usually enough.
Sometimes I skip the granulated sugar altogether and use a couple tablespoons of maple syrup instead. It’s sweet but not cloying.
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla can carry a lot of flavor on their own.
Pick a less sweet bread
Brioche and cinnamon swirl bread are already loaded with sugar, so I usually switch to French bread or sourdough when I want to tone it down.
Whole wheat works too, if you like something more earthy and neutral.
Balance it with toppings
Fresh fruit helps a ton—berries especially. They’re sweet but have just enough tartness.
Greek yogurt or cream cheese can mellow out the sugar and add some creaminess.
Nuts or seeds give a nice crunch and cut through the richness a bit.
Other tricks I swear by
- A pinch of salt makes everything taste more balanced.
- If I’m doing a streusel topping, I go light on the sugar or throw in some chopped pecans.
- I always use unsweetened milk—almond, oat, whatever’s in the fridge.
It’s not about making it bland—it’s about finding that sweet spot where the flavors shine without feeling like you started the day with cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about French toast casserole that feels like a little breakfast win. It’s cozy and a little indulgent, but still easy enough to make when you’ve barely had your coffee. Whether you’re throwing it together last minute or planning it the night before, it always turns out like you meant to be that put-together.
I love that you can tweak it depending on your mood—keep it classic, go all in with the cinnamon roll version, or prep the overnight one and roll out of bed to the smell of cinnamon filling your kitchen. Honestly, all three versions have their place in my life.
And let’s not forget the bread. If you’ve ever wondered why it turned out mushy or meh, it probably came down to that. A sturdy loaf like brioche or challah makes all the difference. Toss in some smart swaps if you want it a little less sweet (because not everyone wants cake at 8 a.m.), and boom—you’ve got a balanced, crowd-pleasing breakfast that doesn’t feel like it came from a box.
Also… leftovers. Do not sleep on them. That reheated slice with a drizzle of maple syrup? Feels like a gift.
So if you’re looking for something easy but still kind of wow-worthy, this is it. Pin it on Pinterest, make it this weekend, and let the smell of baked cinnamon do the rest.
