What’s better than French toast?
A baked French toast casserole that brings all the cozy and delicious flavors of this classic breakfast dish to your table with way less hassle.
It’s not just easy to make—it’s fun, super tasty, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Plus, you can even prep it the night before so your morning is as easy as pie (or, in this case, casserole!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: soft and buttery brioche soaked in sweet cinnamon custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a crunchy, sugary streusel. It’s a warm, comforting dish that feels like a giant hug on a plate.
Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you want breakfast to feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of brioche or challah bread
- 8 large eggs
- 3 cups whole milk (or a mix of milk and cream for extra richness)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional but adds a lovely aromatic note)
- Pinch of salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Grab your loaf of brioche or challah (or even croissants if you’re feeling fancy) and slice it into thick slices. Cut those slices into 1-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. You’re basically making a magic custard potion that’s going to soak into the bread.
Step 3: Combine
Pour your custard potion over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets a good soak. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it rest. For same-day baking, leave it on the counter for an hour. If you’re planning ahead, refrigerate overnight—this makes mornings so much easier!
Step 4: Prepare the Streusel
While the casserole rests, whip up the streusel. Mix the cold butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cardamom in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to crumble it all together until it looks like chunky sand. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the casserole out of the fridge (if it’s been chilling) and let it sit for 30 minutes to come to room temperature. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the casserole. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy and your kitchen smells amazing.
Tips for the Perfect French Toast Casserole
- Have Fun with Flavors: Throw in some berries, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a cool twist.
- Don’t Skip the Soak: The bread needs time to soak up all that yummy custard for the best texture.
- Serve It Fresh: This casserole is best straight out of the oven, but leftovers reheat beautifully.
- Store Leftovers Right: Pop any extras in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up in the microwave or oven for a quick treat.
- Make It Ahead: Prep the casserole without the streusel and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it, add the streusel, and bake as usual.
Variations to Try
This brioche French toast casserole is like a blank canvas for your breakfast creativity! Here are some fun ideas:
- Berry Blast: Add fresh or frozen berries for pops of fruity goodness.
- Choco Delight: Layer in chocolate chips for a dessert-like breakfast.
- Savory Surprise: Skip the sugar and spices, and add cheese, bacon, or veggies.
- Holiday Vibes: Mix in orange zest and cranberries for festive cheer.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Turn breakfast into a full-on feast with these pairings:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Crispy bacon or sausage links
- Yogurt and granola parfaits
- Hot coffee or a big glass of fresh orange juice
Want to get fancy? Top your casserole with:
- Warm maple syrup
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- A big dollop of whipped cream
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s Christmas morning, Easter brunch, a birthday breakfast, or just a lazy Sunday, this brioche French toast casserole makes everything feel extra special.
It’s the perfect mix of soft and crispy, sweet and spiced, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together—even if you’re half-asleep.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some bread, get whisking, and let’s make your mornings magical. Breakfast just got a whole lot better—and more delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! Brioche and challah are awesome, but French bread, sourdough, or croissants work too.
- How do I keep it from being soggy? Let the bread soak up the custard fully before baking, and don’t skip the resting time.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Sure! Swap the milk for almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.
- What’s the best way to reheat it? Warm up individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and heat in the oven at 300°F.
Get ready to enjoy a breakfast that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
This Brioche French toast casserole is the kind of dish that makes mornings feel special—and keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
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