Oven-Baked French Toast Casserole
Looking for the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish? This easy oven-baked French toast casserole is packed with classic flavor, warm cinnamon spice, and a custardy texture everyone will love. Baked instead of cooked in a crock pot, this version delivers golden-brown edges, a soft center, and a delicious buttery finish.
This oven baked French toast casserole is made just like the crock pot French toast casserole. This is a torn bread French toast casserole recipe with a crumb topping made with butter, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. We love this hearty casserole when feeding sports teams like our high school swim team, along with our fluffy crock pot scrambled eggs.
Why You’ll Love This Baked French Toast Casserole
- ✅ Bakes in under an hour — no slow cooker required
- ✅ Crispy on top, soft in the middle
- ✅ Perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend breakfasts
- ✅ Make ahead or bake right away
Ingredients for Oven French Toast Casserole
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 1 loaf bread
- 8 eggs
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
How to Make French Toast Casserole in the Oven
Step 1: Make the Brown Sugar Maple Syrup Bottom
Mix together the 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, and maple syrup in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments until melted. Pour into a greased baking dish.
Step 2: Add Bread Cubes
Place cubed bread in the greased baking dish over the sugar and maple syrup. Use day-old or slightly dry bread for best texture.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
Step 4: Pour Over Bread
Evenly pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Press gently to make sure all bread is soaked. Drizzle melted butter on top. Refrigerate overnight.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
In the morning, make the crumb topping. Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter, cut into small pieces. Pour over the top of the bread.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes on 350. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
This casserole is perfect served with bacon or sausage links along with scrambled eggs. Topping the French toast off with fresh fruit is also a great way to bring color and bursts of flavor to your brunch plate.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add fruit: Mix in blueberries, chopped apples, or sliced bananas before baking.
- Make it nutty: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for added crunch.
- Dairy-free option: Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-free version: Use your favorite gluten-free bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make French toast casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
What bread is best for French toast casserole?
Brioche, challah, French bread, or Texas toast work best because they’re thick and absorb custard well.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Freeze after baking. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This oven-baked French toast casserole is a crowd-pleasing breakfast recipe ideal for:
- Christmas morning or Easter brunch
- Weekend meal prep
- Baby showers or brunch parties
- Lazy Sundays with the family
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
📌 Pin this Oven French Toast Casserole recipe for later and don’t forget to leave a comment if you make it!
Oven-baked French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
French Toast
Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Mix together the 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, and maple syrup in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments until melted.
- Pour into a greased casserole dish.
- Cube the bread and pour over the top of the sugar-butter mixture.
- Combine the 8 eggs, milk, cream, 3/4 cup of sugar and vanilla. Beat until the eggs are completely beaten.
- Pour over the top of the bread, pressing the bread down to completely saturate it.
- Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, make the crumb topping. Combine, the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cold butter cut into small pieces. Pour over top of the bread.
- Recover with foil. Place in a preheated 350℉ oven and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Nutrition
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