Description
This baked French toast casserole is a sweet and comforting make-ahead breakfast featuring caramelized brown sugar, cinnamon-spiced custard, and golden baked French bread. Perfect for holidays, brunch, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 loaf French bread, cut into cubes (about 8 oz)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar until smooth. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Add the bread cubes evenly over the brown sugar mixture.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use day-old or dried-out bread for the best texture and to avoid sogginess.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and bake in the morning.
- Freeze leftovers or the entire dish for up to 3 months; reheat at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Swap in dairy-free milk and butter for a dairy-free version.
- Try sourdough, brioche, or Italian bread if French bread isn’t available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 382
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 328mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 159mg
Keywords: baked french toast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, holiday brunch, cinnamon french toast, sweet breakfast casserole