Holiday mornings call for something cozy, indulgent, and easy to share—and this French toast casserole is exactly that. With soft custard-soaked bread, a hint of cinnamon, and a buttery brown-sugar topping, it bakes into golden perfection with minimal effort. The best part? You can prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven while everyone unwraps gifts or brews coffee.

People love this recipe because it’s make-ahead, family-friendly, and irresistibly delicious. It brings the classic flavors of French toast to the table without all the flipping and frying—making it my go-to dish for every holiday brunch.

2. Ingredients

This casserole combines pantry staples with warm spices for the ultimate holiday comfort dish.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

1 loaf (14–16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cubed (day-old works best)
8 large eggs
2 ½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer flavor)
½ cup heavy cream (optional but adds creaminess)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Optional Add-Ons:

Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup)
Fresh berries or sliced bananas
Maple syrup or powdered sugar for serving

Key Ingredients

Brioche or challah: Soft, rich bread that soaks up the custard perfectly.
Cinnamon + nutmeg: Add warmth and holiday aroma.
Brown-sugar crumble: Gives that irresistible golden crust.
Vanilla + cream: Bring depth and luxurious texture.

Optional Add-Ons / Variations

Add a handful of raisins or cranberries for festive sweetness.
Swap sugar for maple syrup in the custard for natural flavor.
Add orange zest for a bright twist.
Make it savory by omitting sugar and adding cheese and herbs.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe follows a simple flow: assemble, chill (optional), bake, and serve.

Preparation Steps

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in the dish.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Pour mixture evenly over bread, pressing gently to help absorb.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Cooking Steps

Make the Topping:

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Cut in butter using a fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Bake the Casserole:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Sprinkle the topping (and nuts, if using) over the soaked bread.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup.
Add a spoonful of whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
Serve alongside fresh fruit salad or crispy bacon.
Pair with coffee, hot cocoa, or apple cider for the ultimate brunch experience.

4. Tips, Substitutions & Notes

Pro Tips for Better Results

Use day-old bread—it absorbs custard without turning mushy.
Let the casserole rest before serving for easier slicing.
For extra crunch, toast bread cubes lightly before assembling.
Double the topping if you love a thicker crumble layer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using fresh, soft bread—it can make the casserole soggy.
Overbaking—the texture should be custardy, not dry.
Skipping the rest time before baking—it helps the flavors soak in.
Forgetting to grease the dish—prevents sticking and burnt edges.

Ingredient Substitutions

Whole milk → almond, oat, or coconut milk for dairy-free.
Heavy cream → extra milk for a lighter version.
Brown sugar → coconut sugar for a less refined option.
Brioche → French bread or Texas toast if that’s what you have.

Texture, Flavor & Health Variations

Add chopped apples or pears for a fruity version.
Swap vanilla for almond extract.
Use egg whites only for a lighter casserole.
Drizzle with caramel sauce for a dessert-style brunch dish.

5. Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Freezing

Freeze baked casserole for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Oven: 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil.
Microwave: Heat individual portions for 45–60 seconds.
Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep it moist.

6. Nutrition (Optional)

Approximate per serving (8 servings):

Calories: 350–420
Carbs: 45–50g
Fat: 15–18g
Protein: 9–11g

Rich yet balanced—perfect for special occasions.

7. Conclusion

This holiday French toast casserole is everything you want in a brunch dish—warm, comforting, make-ahead easy, and irresistibly good. It fills the kitchen with cozy aromas and brings everyone to the table smiling. Once you try it, it’ll become your go-to holiday favorite for years to come—because nothing says “celebration” like the first bite of this golden, cinnamon-sweet perfection.