If you’re searching for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next brunch or family breakfast, look no further than Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. This dish takes everything you love about classic French toast—the creamy custard, warm spices, and irresistible comfort—and transforms it into a bake-ahead casserole that’s effortlessly impressive. With a soft, custardy center, a golden-brown top, and plenty of cinnamon flavor in every bite, this recipe is perfect for lazy weekends, holidays, or any morning that deserves something a little extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing tricky or fussy about the ingredients for Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, but each one pulls its weight in creating the final, crave-worthy bite. From the bread that forms the base to the blend of spices and creamy custard, each ingredient adds its own magic, so don’t skip or skimp!
- French bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works perfectly here, giving the casserole great texture without getting soggy.
- Large eggs: These provide the base for your custard, making the dish luxuriously creamy.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to soak into every piece of bread.
- Heavy cream: The secret to an extra-decadent, tender middle that feels like a special treat.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the casserole and helps balance any eggy notes.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a touch of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes each bite warm, inviting, and classic.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds wonderful depth without overpowering the cinnamon.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the custard with rich, aromatic flavor.
- Salt: Just enough to balance sweetness and make all the flavors pop.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Drizzled on top, this gives a golden, crave-worthy finish.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Bread
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure the perfect golden edges. Cut your French bread into 1-inch cubes—don’t worry about uniformity, rustic is best! Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish so they’re ready to soak up all that luscious custard.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Give it some good energy—you want every ingredient seamlessly blended, with no streaks of egg or clumps of spice. This custard is the heart of the Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, so make sure it’s smooth and well-mixed.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure you reach every nook and cranny. Use a spatula or clean hands to gently press the bread down, helping it absorb as much custard as possible. This step makes the casserole irresistibly creamy throughout.
Step 4: Chill and Soak
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. The wait is worth it—this soaking time lets the bread drink in all the flavors, so every bite tastes like cinnamon toast heaven. If you’re short on time, let it soak a minimum of four hours.
Step 5: Pre-Bake Prep and Drizzle
On baking day, pull the casserole from the fridge and let it sit out while you preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This prevents temperature shock and encourages even baking. Meanwhile, melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it over the casserole for rich flavor and a crisp top.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is gloriously browned and crisp. If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving to help everything set—then dig in!
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
Give your Cinnamon French Toast Casserole a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a glug of warm maple syrup for extra indulgence. For a lovely crunch, toss on some toasted pecans or a handful of fresh berries for bright color and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or a platter of fresh fruit. For brunch, pair it with a simple green salad or some softly scrambled eggs for a wonderfully rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, cut Cinnamon French Toast Casserole into neat squares and stack them with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can even serve miniature portions in ramekins for an elegant, personalized touch at brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover the casserole tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—just long enough for those next-day cravings.
Freezing
Cinnamon French Toast Casserole keeps its magic even after freezing. Allow leftovers to cool, then wrap portions securely in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Always label with the date for peace of mind.
Reheating
To reawaken that fresh-baked joy, reheat slices in the microwave or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! Brioche or challah bread work beautifully and provide an even richer texture, but sturdy sandwich bread can also be substituted if needed.
Do I have to let it soak overnight?
While soaking overnight develops the best texture and flavor, a minimum of 4 hours will do in a pinch. The longer soak really allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, resulting in a more luxurious bite.
Can I make Cinnamon French Toast Casserole dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also swap the butter for plant-based margarine.
How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Using day-old bread is key. Fresh bread can become too soft, so slightly stale bread absorbs the custard without disintegrating. Also, make sure to bake until the center is completely set.
What toppings go best with this casserole?
Aside from maple syrup and powdered sugar, try adding fresh berries, sliced bananas, toasted nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream for a flavorful finish.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted brunch without it. It’s the kind of bake that brings guests together, makes mornings brighter, and fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of cinnamon and cozy memories in the making. Give it a go and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
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Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Cinnamon French Toast Casserole, a make-ahead breakfast bake that’s perfect for weekends or special occasions. With warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, this dish is a delightful twist on classic French toast.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 1 loaf (about 14 oz) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the cubed French bread, spreading it evenly.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, press lightly to soak, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Drizzle melted butter over the casserole, bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until set and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
- For a crunchier topping, add chopped pecans before baking.
- You can use brioche or challah instead of French bread.
- Perfect for prepping ahead for a holiday breakfast or brunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
