French Toast Bake: 6 Amazing Weekend Brunch Ideas

Name: French Toast Bake: 6 Amazing Weekend Brunch Ideas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-489736H27M39S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf (16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes; 6 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Powdered sugar and maple syrup, for serving

by Manar Jota

September 12, 2025

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French toast bake has become my absolute favorite way to start a weekend morning, and I bet it will be yours too! There’s something so comforting about waking up to the sweet, cinnamon-spiced aroma filling the house. I still remember the first time I made this for a family brunch; everyone was raving about how it tasted just like a sweet bread pudding, but was so much easier. This simple baked French toast recipe transforms ordinary bread into a golden, custardy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s get this delicious French toast casserole in the oven!

Why You’ll Love This French Toast Bake

This French toast bake is a breakfast game-changer for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple to assemble, making it a stress-free option for busy mornings or special occasions. Plus, the make-ahead aspect means you can prep it the night before and wake up to a delicious breakfast ready to go.

Incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginners.
Comes together quickly, making it an easy French toast casserole for any day.
Can be prepped the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast.
The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla is absolutely divine.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like a decadent dessert but is perfect for breakfast.
Versatile – easily customizable with your favorite fruits or nuts.
This easy French toast casserole is a fantastic way to use up slightly stale bread.
A truly comforting and satisfying dish for any meal, especially brunch.

Ingredients for French Toast Bake

Here are the essential French toast bake ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful breakfast treat. Using day-old brioche or challah bread is key because it soaks up the custard better without getting too mushy. The combination of milk and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety custard that coats every piece of bread.

1 loaf (16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes – stale bread is best for soaking
6 large eggs – the binder for our custard
2 cups whole milk – for a creamy base
1/2 cup heavy cream – adds richness and a luxurious texture
1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
1/4 cup brown sugar – adds a caramel-like depth
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – the classic French toast spice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – enhances the sweet flavors
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – for drizzling on top before baking
Powdered sugar and maple syrup, for serving – optional but highly recommended toppings

How to Make French Toast Bake

Learning how to make French toast bake is simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. This recipe guides you through creating a dreamy, custardy breakfast that’s perfect for any occasion. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!

Prep and Chill

First, prepare your bread by cutting it into roughly 1-inch cubes. I find that using bread that’s a day or two old works best, as it absorbs the custard beautifully without becoming soggy. Next, in a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. Pour this glorious custard mixture over the bread cubes, making sure each piece gets a good soak. Cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight. This soaking time is crucial for how to make French toast bake truly delicious.

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Baking Instructions

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the chilled dish out of the fridge and evenly drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and puffed up, and the custard is set in the center. The smell of cinnamon and baked goodness filling your kitchen is your cue that this French toast casserole is ready!

Pro Tips for the Best French Toast Bake

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this French toast bake absolutely perfect every single time. These tips help ensure a delicious outcome, whether you’re serving it for a casual breakfast or a special brunch.

Using day-old bread is crucial; it absorbs the custard better and prevents a soggy texture.
Don’t over-soak the bread; a good 30 minutes to overnight is plenty.
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar or chopped nuts on top before baking.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.

What’s the secret to perfect French Toast Bake?

The real secret to a perfect French toast bake is the custard-to-bread ratio and letting it soak properly. This ensures every bite is moist and flavorful. It’s a truly simple baked French toast that tastes incredibly decadent. For more breakfast inspiration, check out our recipes.

Can I make French Toast Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of the best features of this recipe. You can assemble the entire French toast bake the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. This make ahead French toast bake means you just pop it in the oven in the morning! If you’re looking for other make-ahead meals, consider our ground beef zucchini casserole.

How do I avoid common mistakes with French Toast Bake?

The most common mistake is using fresh, soft bread, which can lead to a mushy bake. Also, resist the urge to overmix the custard; gentle whisking is all you need. Lastly, don’t overbake it, or it can become dry. For more tips on baking, you can consult King Arthur Baking.

Best Ways to Serve French Toast Bake

This sweet French toast casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a perfect centerpiece for any brunch gathering. It’s a wonderful dish that truly shines when served warm straight from the oven.

Serve it warm with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for that classic, comforting flavor.
Pair this delightful brunch French toast bake with a fresh fruit salad for a balanced and colorful meal.
A side of crispy bacon or savory sausage makes for a fantastic contrast to the sweet, custardy French toast. Try our coconut chicken meatballs for a unique side.

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Nutrition Facts for French Toast Bake

When you’re enjoying this delightful French toast bake, it’s helpful to know what you’re consuming. This sweet French toast casserole offers a satisfying breakfast option with a good balance of macronutrients. Here’s a breakdown per serving, keeping in mind that these are estimates.

Calories: 317 calories
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 370mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For other casserole ideas, explore our hamburger mushroom bake.

How to Store and Reheat French Toast Bake

Properly storing and reheating your French toast bake is key to enjoying its deliciousness later. Once it’s cooled, I like to cut it into individual portions for easy grabbing. For short-term storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep this lovely French toast casserole for longer, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. This makes future breakfasts a breeze! For more make-ahead meal ideas, consider our Chinese style mango chicken stir fry.

When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of great options. For a single serving, a quick zap in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds usually does the trick. If you prefer a slightly crisper texture, reheating in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes is even better. This ensures your make ahead French toast bake tastes almost as good as when it was freshly baked. Proper french toast casserole storage means delicious leftovers are always within reach!

Frequently Asked Questions About French Toast Bake

What is French toast casserole?

A French toast casserole is essentially French toast transformed into a baked dish. Instead of frying individual slices, bread is cubed and soaked in a sweet, eggy custard, then baked in a casserole dish until golden and puffed. It’s a simpler, more convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors, especially when serving a crowd.

Why is French toast bake popular?

This French toast bake is popular because it’s incredibly easy to make ahead, making busy mornings or holiday brunches so much more relaxed. It tastes decadent, like a sweet bread pudding, but requires minimal effort. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up slightly stale bread, making it a budget-friendly and delicious option for breakfast or brunch. For another popular breakfast dish, see our Indian butter chicken recipe.

Can I use different types of bread for this French toast bake?

Yes, you absolutely can! While brioche or challah are recommended for their rich flavor and texture, other sturdy breads work well too. Consider using French bread, Texas toast, or even a good quality Italian bread. Just ensure the bread is a day or two old and cut into cubes for the best soaking and results in your baked French toast recipe.

How do I make this a savory French toast bake?

To adapt this into a savory French toast bake, omit the sugars and cinnamon from the custard. Instead, add cheese (like cheddar or Gruyere), herbs (such as chives or parsley), and maybe some cooked bacon or sausage to the bread cubes before pouring over a savory custard (eggs, milk, salt, pepper). It becomes a fantastic egg bake French toast!

Variations of French Toast Bake You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you’ll be excited to know how many delicious variations you can create with this versatile French toast bake! It’s a fantastic base for all sorts of flavors, from fruity to decadent. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a truly adaptable dish.

Berry French Toast Bake: Gently fold in 1-2 cups of fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries) with the bread cubes before pouring over the custard. This creates a wonderfully bright and fruity sweet French toast casserole.
Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake: Add about 2 cups of thinly sliced apples and an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the bread cubes. This cinnamon French toast bake is perfect for a cozy autumn breakfast.
Chocolate Chip French Toast Bake: Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the bread mixture for a truly indulgent treat. It’s like having dessert for breakfast!
Healthier French Toast Bake: Swap whole milk for skim milk and reduce the sugar slightly. You can also use whole wheat bread, though it might require a bit more soaking time.