French Toast Casserole
French toast casserole is the perfect dish to make your mornings extra special without a lot of fuss. Imagine waking up to the aroma of sweet cinnamon and the rich scent of baking brioche bread wafting through your home. This delightful recipe combines the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a casserole, making it a hit for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal prep work, yet delivers maximum flavor.
French Toast Casserole
One of the best parts of this French toast casserole is the hidden layer of lemon curd. Each bite brings a burst of tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the brioche and the comforting warmth of cinnamon and brown sugar. The lemon curd adds a zesty surprise that elevates this dish from a simple breakfast to a gourmet experience. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your guests with a little something extra they won’t expect.
For those who love variety in their meals, this casserole is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of maple syrup on top. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want to treat your family to a special breakfast, this French toast casserole is a winning choice. Don’t forget to check out our other breakfast recipes, like our delicious breakfast enchiladas or the classic avocado toast, for more morning inspiration.
Add this to our other french toast casserole favorites like French Toast casserole with cream cheese as well as our overnight banana nut bagel French Toast Casserole.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
People will love this French toast casserole recipe for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly convenient and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings or when hosting a brunch. The combination of brioche bread and lemon curd creates a delightful balance of rich, buttery flavor with a bright, tangy twist. Additionally, the cinnamon and brown sugar add warmth and sweetness that make this dish comforting and delicious.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite fresh fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of maple syrup, making it adaptable to different tastes and occasions. The baked casserole format also means you can prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven, freeing you up to enjoy your morning with family or guests.
Finally, the presentation of this dish is impressive without being complicated. The golden-brown top, combined with the fluffy, custardy interior, makes it look and taste like a gourmet breakfast item. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a cozy family breakfast, this French toast casserole is sure to be a hit.
What will I need to make French Toast Casserole
You will need the following ingredients:
- Brioche bread: I used Sara Lee Artisan Brioche bread however you can use any Brioche bread you like. I do recommend a thick-cut bread or it may not hold up well to the liquid.
- Lemon curd: I used a store-bought lemon curd but if you have a lemon curd recipe that you love you can certainly use that instead.
- Dark brown sugar: You can use light brown sugar in a pinch, though it is a little sweeter so the flavor will change slightly.
- Cinnamon
- Large eggs
- Half and half: You can use 1 cup whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream or replace all of the half and half with a milk of your choice, but be aware the final consistency of the casserole may be a little different.
- Vanilla
How to Make French Toast Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Take out the bread slices and use a butter knife to spread 1 Tablespoon of lemon curd on each of 7 of the slices.
- Top each slice with one of the slices that does not have lemon curd, making 7 “lemon curd sandwiches”.
- Use a cutting board and sharp knife to cut the sandwiches into cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl whisk together the eggs and then add in the half and half vanilla, cinnamon, and 3 Tablespoons of the dark brown sugar. Whisk until you have a smooth mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubes in the baking dish making sure the bread is evenly soaked with liquid.
- Sprinkle the remaining dark brown sugar evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until the casserole begins to get golden brown on top, has puffed up and the center is firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving warm with fresh fruit and syrup, optional.
Can This Be Made In Advance
Yes, this French toast casserole can definitely be made in advance. In fact, preparing it the night before and letting it sit in the refrigerator allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture more thoroughly, resulting in a richer, more flavorful dish. Here’s how you can do it:
- Assemble the Casserole: Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where you pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bake the Next Morning: In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F, remove the cover from the casserole, and sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the top. Bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes if needed since the dish will be starting from a colder temperature.
This make-ahead option is perfect for stress-free mornings, ensuring you have a delicious and satisfying breakfast ready to go with minimal effort.
Tips & Tricks
Choose the Right Bread: Brioche or challah are ideal for their rich texture and flavor. They soak up the custard mixture beautifully and provide a delightful, fluffy texture.
Stale Bread Works Best: Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture more effectively. If your bread is fresh, consider letting it sit out for a few hours or lightly toasting it before using it in the casserole.
Even Layering: When layering the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensure they are evenly distributed to allow for uniform soaking and baking.
Overnight Soaking: For the best results, assemble the casserole the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a richer, more flavorful dish.
Cover While Baking: If the top of the casserole is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time. This prevents over-browning and ensures the inside cooks through.
Add-Ins and Variations: Customize your casserole with add-ins like fresh berries, nuts, or chocolate chips. You can also switch up the flavor by using different types of curds or fruit preserves.
Let It Rest: After baking, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Serve with Toppings: Enhance the flavor by serving with fresh fruit, syrup, powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Reheating
You will want to reheat your casserole at 350 degrees in the oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until warm. This helps keep the crispy top that we all love.
You can reheat this in the microwave, but it becomes very soft.
FAQs
French Toast Casserole
French Toast Casserole is the perfect addition to any morning! It combines all your favorite flavors of traditional French toast that you love but is baked in a dish so that the whole family can enjoy it together!
Ingredients
- 1 (14 slice) loaf of Brioche bread
- 7 Tablespoons lemon curd, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 6 Tablespoons dark brown sugar, divided
- Fresh fruit, optional garnish
- Syrup, optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Take out the bread slices and use a butter knife to spread 1 Tablespoon of lemon curd on each of 7 of the slices.
- Top each slice with one of the slices that does not have lemon curd, making 7 “lemon curd sandwiches”.
- Use a cutting board and sharp knife to cut the sandwiches into cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl whisk together the eggs and then add in the half and half vanilla, cinnamon, and 3 Tablespoons of the dark brown sugar. Whisk until you have a smooth mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cubes in the baking dish making sure the bread is evenly soaked with liquid.
- Sprinkle the remaining dark brown sugar evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until the casserole begins to get golden brown on top, has puffed up and the center is firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving warm with fresh fruit and syrup, optional.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 266Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 146mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 7g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!