Weekend French Toast Casserole

Introduction

Weekend French Toast Casserole transforms classic breakfast flavors into a warm, custardy bake that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. This recipe is ideal when you crave the nostalgia of French toast but want the convenience and ease of a make-ahead casserole. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for leisurely brunches or special occasions, packing indulgent comfort into every slice with minimal weekday morning effort.

Why Make Weekend French Toast Casserole?

The standout quality of this casserole lies in its irresistible combination of textures: golden-baked top, pillowy middle, and hints of caramelized crunch around the edges. Unlike traditional stovetop French toast, this version lets you prep everything the night before—no flipping or standing over a skillet. With layers of rich flavor and a streamlined process, it’s a surefire way to feed a group and enjoy a relaxing morning.

Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture

For that signature custardy bite, use a hearty bread like brioche or challah. Allowing the bread cubes to soak overnight ensures every piece absorbs the rich, spiced custard for deep, consistent flavor. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes cubing bread quick and uniform, resulting in a beautiful, even bake.

A sprinkle of cinnamon and vanilla in the batter infuses the casserole with warming notes that complement sweet breakfast toppings. You can mix the custard easily and thoroughly with the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for a silky-smooth base.

Assembling and Baking Your Casserole

Line your baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup and effortless serving. After soaking, the casserole is simply baked in the oven until puffed and golden—no additional fuss required.

Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing for the cleanest cuts. The aroma and presentation alone make this an inviting centerpiece for any brunch table.

Serving Ideas and Add-Ons

Elevate your Weekend French Toast Casserole with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a generous drizzle of maple syrup. If brunch is outdoors or on the go, portion leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for convenient breakfasts throughout the week.

Pair with hot coffee or fresh juice for a balanced meal that feels cozy and luxurious, no matter the season.

Nutrition and Servings

This recipe generously serves 8–10 people. Each portion is about 350–400 calories, depending on bread choice and toppings. It’s a satisfying, decadent treat that’s worth every bite—especially when shared.

Weekend French Toast Casserole (Recap)

From texture to taste, this Weekend French Toast Casserole is the perfect solution for brunch lovers seeking flavor, convenience, and a bit of weekend magic. Let it become your signature dish for gatherings, lazy Sundays, or holiday mornings.

Instructions

1. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy release and cleanup.
2. Cube your loaf of bread using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick, uniform pieces. Spread the cubes evenly in the baking dish.
3. In a large bowl (or blend for a smooth custard using the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender), whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to ensure all pieces soak in the liquid.
5. Optional: Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly across the top for added crunch.
6. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate overnight (or at least 3 hours) to allow thorough soaking.
7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge while the oven preheats.
8. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife should come out mostly clean, but moist).
9. Cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Finish with toppings of choice and serve warm.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (not including soaking time)