There’s nothing quite like waking up to the irresistible scent of a warm, baked breakfast wafting through the house. Just imagine the first bite of a creamy, custardy French toast casserole with a crunchy pecan topping that brings a delightful crunch to each mouthful. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I wanted to impress friends but needed a dish that required minimal effort. The best part? It can be prepped the night before, allowing you to enjoy those precious moments in the morning without the stress.

This overnight French toast casserole is not only easy to make, but it’s also a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family breakfasts. The balance of flavors—from the sweetness of the brown sugar to the warmth of cinnamon—makes it a standout centerpiece that pairs beautifully with a drizzle of maple syrup. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to bring joy to your breakfast table!

Why is this French toast casserole a must-try?

Easy Preparation: You can whip this up the night before, making mornings stress-free and delightful.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch with friends or a cozy breakfast with family.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of custardy bread and crunchy pecans creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Versatile Options: Experiment with different bread types or toppings to suit your taste.
Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday or just a regular Sunday, this dish fits seamlessly into any breakfast spread.

French Toast Casserole Ingredients

For the Casserole
• Unsalted butter – Greases the baking dish and adds richness; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Challah bread (about 1½ pounds) – Serves as the base, providing structure and slight sweetness; use brioche or crusty sourdough to avoid sogginess.
• Large eggs (5) – Provides structure and creates a custardy texture that makes the French toast casserole so delightful.
• Milk (1½ cups) – Moistens the bread and creates the custard; substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons) – Adds sweetness and caramelization to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) – Enhances the depth of flavor; using pure vanilla ensures the best results.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) & Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) – Spice mixture that adds warmth; feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Sea salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor of the casserole.

For Topping
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons) – Drizzle melted butter on top before baking for an extra rich finish.
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons) – Contributes to a crispy topping that accents the soft texture beneath.
• Chopped pecans (½ cup) – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; consider swapping with walnuts or omitting for a nut-free version.

This French toast casserole is primed to become a family favorite and a hit at your next brunch!

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Grease the Dish: Start by generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter. This will help the casserole brown beautifully and prevent sticking.
Layer the Bread: Cut your challah bread into cubes and layer them evenly in the greased baking dish. Each piece should fit snugly, creating a solid base for your casserole.
Whisk the Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt until well combined. This mixture transforms the bread into a delicious, custardy delight.
Pour and Soak: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are moistened. For the best results, you can cover and refrigerate this overnight or let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures an even bake for your French toast casserole.
Add Topping: Drizzle the melted butter over the bread mixture and sprinkle the top with brown sugar and chopped pecans. This creates a lovely crunchy topping that perfectly contrasts the soft center.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes, until the topping is browned and the custard has set—watch for a golden color!
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and loosely cover it with foil. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to cool slightly before serving, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.

Optional: Drizzle with maple syrup before serving for an irresistible touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with French Toast Casserole?

There’s nothing quite like creating a complete brunch experience to complement your indulgent breakfast dish.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the casserole. Think about vibrant strawberries, tangy blueberries, and sweet melon for a colorful display.
Crispy Bacon or Sausage: The salty, savory notes of crispy bacon or sausage create a satisfying contrast to the sweet, custardy casserole. It’s a classic pairing that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Yogurt Parfait: Creamy yogurt layered with fruits and granola brings in a light crunch and tanginess that perfectly complements the casserole’s sweetness. It’s a delightful way to add more textures to your brunch table.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: While this is often served with the casserole, offering a variety of syrups can elevate the experience. Try infused maple syrup or berry compote to add an extra layer of flavor.
Mimosas or Coffee: A sparkling mimosa adds bubbly brightness, making it a festive brunch. Alternatively, a rich coffee helps balance the sweetness, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette delicate contrasts the richness of the casserole. Including ingredients like arugula or spinach can provide a refreshing crunch.

These suggestions not only enhance the flavors of the French toast casserole but also make for a beautifully balanced and memorable brunch.

French Toast Casserole Variations

There’s so much room for creativity with this dish; customize it to suit your taste buds and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Swap challah for gluten-free bread; use a gluten-free mix for optimal texture.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk and coconut oil instead of butter for a creamy custard.
Add Chocolate: Fold in a cup of chocolate chips to the egg mixture for a decadent, sweet surprise in every bite.
Fruit Burst: Incorporate fresh berries or sliced bananas into the bread layer before pouring the custard for a fruity twist.

For a cozy fall flavor, sprinkle in some pumpkin spice. The warm aroma will have everyone rushing to the breakfast table!

Sweet & Savory: Add crispy bacon or sausage slices between the layers for an unexpected sweet and savory harmony.
Nut-Free Option: Omit the pecans altogether or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a crunchy topping without the nuts.
Extra Spices: Experiment by adding cardamom or ginger along with your usual cinnamon and nutmeg for a more complex flavor profile.

Expert Tips for French Toast Casserole

Use Day-Old Bread: Ensure to use day-old bread for optimal texture; fresh bread can lead to a soggy casserole that’s less appealing.
Overnight Soak: Allowing the casserole to soak overnight enhances flavor absorption and creates a creamier custard, perfect for the ultimate French toast casserole experience.
Mind the Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time to prevent burning; the top should be golden brown, and the custard should be just set.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes after baking; this makes it easier to serve and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center to check if the custard has mostly set before removing from the oven; this ensures a perfect texture.

Make Ahead Options

This Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole is perfect for busy mornings! You can prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance by following the recipe instructions up to the soaking step, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring a custardy texture that’s just as delicious as when freshly made. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven, drizzle with melted butter, and top with brown sugar and pecans before baking. For optimal quality, remember to keep it covered in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out. With this prep, you can effortlessly serve a decadent breakfast with minimal morning stress!

Storage Tips for French Toast Casserole

Room Temperature: Allow to cool for 1 hour before serving; keep leftovers out for no more than 2 hours to avoid spoilage.

Fridge: Store any leftover French toast casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the microwave or cover and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.

Freezer: Once completely cooled, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best taste and texture.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven, covered with foil, to maintain moisture and crispness, or warm individual portions in the microwave.

Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe FAQs

What type of bread is best for making French toast casserole?
I recommend using day-old challah, brioche, or crusty sourdough to avoid sogginess. Fresh bread can lead to a less appealing texture, so choosing bread that is slightly stale creates the best results. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold up to the custard without falling apart.

How should I store leftover French toast casserole?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven, or microwave individual portions until heated through. This way, you can enjoy your delicious breakfast for a few more days!

Can I freeze French toast casserole?
Absolutely! Once the casserole has cooled completely, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This method preserves the textures and flavors beautifully.

What if my casserole is too soggy?
If your French toast casserole turns out too soggy, it could be due to using fresh bread or letting it soak for too long. Try using day-old bread next time and ensure you follow the soaking times recommended in the recipe. Additionally, monitor the baking time to ensure it cooks through without becoming overly moist.

Can I make any dietary substitutions?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. If you’re looking to make it nut-free, you can omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds for that crunchy texture. Make it work for you!

Is there a way to prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the entire French toast casserole the night before, soaking the bread in the custard mixture overnight. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it the next morning. This makes for a stress-free breakfast!