Name: Easy French Toast Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 525 min
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar; 0.5 cup unsalted butter; 1 (8 ounce) loaf crusty French bread, cut into bite-sized pieces, or more as needed; 2 cups milk; 6 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon brown sugar, or to taste; 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste

155

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Additional Time:

8 hrs

Total Time:

8 hrs 45 mins

Servings:

Yield:

1 9x13-inch casserole

Jump to Nutrition Facts

This decadent French toast casserole is the make-ahead breakfast of your dreams. Just assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning — it's easy, super sweet, and oh-so satisfying.

image of french toast with berries and whipped cream on a plate, and french toast in a baking dish, with forks and a glass of juice on the side — Allrecipes

French Toast Casserole Ingredients

This easy French toast casserole comes together with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here's what you'll need:

· Brown sugar: Brown sugar, in the French toast and in the topping, adds warmth and sweetness.
· Butter: A stick of butter adds richness and flavor.
· Bread: Choose a sturdy loaf that can stand up to the thick sauce, such as crusty French bread. Some reviewers suggest using challah or sourdough.
· Eggs: Six whole eggs are key to the rich, custardy texture.
· Milk: Use whole or 2 percent milk.
· Vanilla: Two teaspoons of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and lends a touch of complexity.
· Cinnamon: A cinnamon-brown sugar mixture is sprinkled over the French toast casserole just before baking.

Optional: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the finished casserole for a burst of sweetness.

How to Make French Toast Casserole

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this top-rated overnight French toast casserole:

1. Make the French toast: Cook the butter with a cup of brown sugar until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, then pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish. Scatter the bread pieces over the butter mixture. Mix the milk, vanilla, and eggs together, then pour over the bread.
2. Refrigerate: Cover the casserole and transfer to the fridge. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or up to overnight.
3. Bake the casserole: Remove the casserole from the fridge and uncover. Sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar-cinnamon, then bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is browned and bubbling.

Nicole's Best French Toast Casserole Tips

"It's almost like French toast meets bread pudding," culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom) says about this easy breakfast casserole. Here are a few of her favorite tips and tricks for making the perfect French toast casserole every time:

· Nicole reiterates just how important it is to choose a thick, crusty bread that's capable of holding its own against the rich custard.
· Don't get lazy when it comes to whisking the custard. If there are any chunks leftover, you may end up with bits of scrambled egg in your custard.
· Scoop up some of the brown-sugar mixture on the bottom and spoon it over the top after the French toast casserole comes out of the oven. It's the perfect finishing touch!

How to Serve French Toast Casserole

This French toast casserole pairs well with breakfast and brunch favorites, such as bacon or eggs. Of course, fresh berries are the perfect way to add a bright pop of color and fruity flavor. In need of some delicious inspiration? Explore these recipe collections:

· 15 Fancy Breakfast Recipes to Make For Your Next Special Occasion
· Our Top 20 Brunch Recipes of All Time
· These 15 Grandma-Made Breakfast Recipes Will Start Your Day Right

How to Store French Toast Casserole

Transfer your cooled leftover French toast casserole to a shallow, airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

Can You Freeze French Toast Casserole?

Yes! French toast casserole freezes well. If you plan to freeze it, cook the casserole in a foil pan. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap the casserole (pan and all) in at least two layers of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I made this for a brunch we hosted with friends and was a little worried about the moisture, but it baked out beautifully and was the perfect balance," says Brittany314. "I would definitely make it again."

"What a tasty dish for a Sunday morning in bed with coffee," according to BadLittleChef. "I followed the recipe directions exactly as written but cut the recipe in half and used a loaf pan — perfect for two people."

"This was absolutely delicious," raves staleysgirl. "I made it for a potluck Easter brunch and it disappeared quicker than any other dish. I added a little extra cinnamon and some golden raisins, but other than that I followed the recipe as written."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

French Toast:

1 cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
1 (8 ounce) loaf crusty French bread, cut into bite-sized pieces, or more as needed
2 cups milk
6 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping:

1 tablespoon brown sugar, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, or to taste

Directions

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Make the French toast: Stir brown sugar and butter together in a saucepan over medium-low heat until butter is melted and sugar has dissolved, 2 to 4 minutes.
Pour butter-brown sugar mixture into the prepared baking dish. Scatter French bread pieces over top in a 1 1/2- to 2-inch layer.
Whisk milk, eggs, and vanilla together in a bowl until well combined. Pour over bread pieces, then press bread down with a spatula so the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.
When ready to bake, remove French toast from the refrigerator and discard plastic wrap. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Make topping: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the French toast.
Bake in the preheated oven until casserole is browned and bubbling, about 30 minutes, covering with aluminum foil at any point if the top is browning too much.
To serve, cut into squares and invert onto serving plates.

Allrecipes

Editor's Note:

A number of reviewers have commented that baking this casserole at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 to 60 minutes produces a better result. If you have a little extra time for baking, give it a try!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

382	Calories
17g	Fat
48g	Carbs
10g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 382
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17g	22%
Saturated Fat 9g	47%
Cholesterol 175mg	58%
Sodium 352mg	15%
Total Carbohydrate 48g	17%
Dietary Fiber 1g	3%
Total Sugars 32g
Protein 10g
Vitamin C 0mg	1%
Calcium 133mg	10%
Iron 2mg	11%
Potassium 223mg	5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.