French Toast Casserole is an easy way to feed your family a filling and delicious breakfast. It can either be a special breakfast or light lunch or dinner.
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French Toast Casserole
French Toast Casserole is an easy way to make breakfast for a crowd. Everybody loves french toast but it is very labor-intensive to soak and pan-fry one slice of bread at a time. Step away from the stove and let your oven do the work.
This French Toast Casserole is a delicious on Sunday morning or any other time your family would like a treat. It can be assembled the night before and popped into the oven to cook while you enjoy your first cup of coffee.
This dairy version is rich and creamy. I highly recommend serving it with either maple syrup or coffee syrup. I tried making a parve version to compare, but while it looked beautiful out of the oven, the taste was a definite disappointment. We will be returning to the test kitchen to perfect the parve version. Stay tuned.
What kind of bread is best for french toast casserole?
Any kind of bread will work, but in my opinion you can’t do better than challah. If you don’t have any leftover challah, french bread is a good substitute. I suggest you avoid strongly flavored breads such as rye or pumpernickel. Rich, buttery brioche is another good option.
Do I need to use fresh bread?
No, in fact day-old bread makes the best french toast. If you want to make this the same day, tear the bread into small pieces, and place on a sheet pan into a 250 degree oven for about twenty minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. If you make this ahead, put the bread pieces into a bowl and leave on the counter for a day or two to dry out. Give it a stir when you think of it.
When my non-cooking mother saw me putting the tray of bread into the oven to dry out, she wanted to know how I could make french toast with no eggs or milk. She gave up cooking in 1985 and never looked back. She is the happiest she has ever been.
My family likes banana french toast. Would added fruit work in this recipe?
Bananas, apples, peaches or plums would all be wonderful additions to this casserole. For a special treat, throw in some chocolate chips or swirl some on top after it comes out of the oven.
Can you make this French Toast Casserole without an electric mixer?
Yes. Cut the room temperature cream cheese into small pieces. Beat the eggs and milk together with a whisk. Stir in cream cheese and remaining ingredients. Proceed with the recipe as directed.
Products used in making this recipe:
Cuisinart HM-90BCS Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer with Storage Case, Brushed Chrome
French Toast Casserole
French Toast Casserole is an easy way to feed your family a filling and delicious breakfast. It can either be a special breakfast or light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 10 cups bread torn into small pieces
- 8 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
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Place bread cubes in large greased baking dish.
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Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer.
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Beat in eggs, milk, half and half, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla.
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Pour mixture over bread and turn to make sure bread is completely covered.
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Cover dish and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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Remove bread from refrigerator and place on counter. Stir again to make sure bread pieces are thoroughly soaked.
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Let stand on counter for 30 minutes.
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Bake 45 minutes or until set.
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Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes.
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Serve with desired french toast toppings such as fresh berries, maple syrup or confectioner's sugar.
Recipe Notes
To make this recipe without a stand mixer, cut room temperature cream cheese into small pieces. Beat eggs, milk and cream together with a whisk. Stir in cream cheese and remaining ingredients. Proceed with recipe as directed.
A scrumptious dish!
So glad that you enjoyed it, Susan.
My family loves french toast, I’m looking forward to trying this recipe with them. A new spin on an old favorite is always fun.
Thanks, Alexis! I hope you and your family enjoy it.
Great for holiday brunches too!
I’ll have to make one of these next weekend … just to treat myself!
Thanks, Noel! Let us know how it turns out 🙂
amazing flavors looks like something my whole family will enjoy especially french toast its their favorite!
Thanks, Claudia. I hope you and your family do enjoy it!
My oh my this looks lovely! I’d love to give this a try for breakfast sometime…perfect treat for Saturday mornings especially ^_^
Thank you so much!
Casseroles are a time saver love to be able to make them a day in advance and then enjoy for breakfast. Yoru casserole looks really yummy and satisfying.
We love it and hope you will also. Thank you for your comment
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What a wonderful recipe to have on hand when you are making a special breakfast or having guests over for brunch. I’ve never seen the addition of cream cheese to French toast but I bet it gives it a wonderful taste. Will be keeping this in my recipe box.
French Toast is my favorite breakfast! I’ve never made it in a casserole – definitely trying soon!
Thanks, Lauren!
This absolutely perfect for weekend brunch or when we have guests over. Easy to make and easy to serve. Plus who doesn’t like French toast right? It’s such a crowd pleaser.
Thanks a lot! It definitely is a crowd pleaser.
This recipe is so perfect! I love that you explain what breads are best (so important!) and I really like that this recipe is simple and made with just a few ingredients.
Thanks, Heather!