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Allrecipes / Abbey Littlejohn
Few things in life tug at the heartstrings quite like familiar smells that waft from a busy kitchen. Frying garlic will forever transport me to my nonna’s Colonial on Staten Island. Caramelizing apples takes me straight to family Thanksgivings in Cooperstown. And the briny, toasted scents of seafood on the grill always put me right back at the Jersey Shore. Family recipes and shared platters of food have a unique ability to tie together generations of home cooks in a communal experience across generations, through simple ingredients and a whole lot of love.
Now that I have a household of my own, I try to create special dishes to weave into our own traditions as well. I want my kids to detect a chicken roasting in the oven and recall cozy winter nights, or taste hot chocolate and remember the feeling of flying down a ski slope. But one thing I’m sure of: When they smell baking bread with buttery, cinnamon-spiced custard, they’ll know it’s a special occasion, and French Toast Casserole is on the menu.
The Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe I Make for Every Family Gathering
I started making this casserole a few years ago when I was looking for a make-ahead breakfast to dig into on Christmas morning when no one wants to cook. And this one checks all the boxes. Not only is it as easy as the name suggests, but it’s also quick to throw together the night before and bakes to bubbly, golden-brown perfection in 30 minutes. It’s also a blank canvas—delicious and decadent on its own with or without maple syrup, but customizable to boot. Add in berries, bananas, chocolate chips, you name it. This versatile 9×13 wonder is a true crowd pleaser.
After the first time testing it out, I knew it would be in rotation way beyond Christmas morning. Need to use up leftover bread on the weekend? Let’s make French Toast Casserole for Sunday brunch. Someone’s birthday? Easy breakfast, on the way. Have a crew to feed on a beach vacation? Say no more—because who can say no to a bread pudding that's crispy and caramelized on the outside, gooey and rich on the inside, and you can enjoy any time of day.
How to Make Easy French Toast Casserole
This delicious recipe serves eight and is simple to follow—and double if needed. Melt butter and brown sugar together to coat the bottom of the baking dish. Then cut or tear up a loaf of crusty bread. The recipe calls for French, but I’ve also used day- (okay, week-) old brioche and challah. I find the staler the bread, the better for overnight soaks. Scatter the pieces in a layer (with add-ins if you’re using them) and pour the prepared milk, egg, and vanilla custard over top. Press the bread down a bit to make sure it’s on its way to absorbing the custard goodness, and then cover it to sit in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight.
When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture over it and send the whole thing (uncovered) into the oven at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for about 30 minutes. Don’t be afraid to cover it with foil if it starts to get too brown.
Recipe Tip
As noted by the editors on the recipe page, some reviews suggest baking this casserole at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 50 to 60 minutes for better results. I’ve had luck both ways, but recommend keeping a close eye when using a higher temp to make sure the sugar doesn't burn.
Cut it into squares or scoop it out to serve with your choice of syrup, compote, fresh fruit, whipped cream, and more. Then, let the nostalgia of gatherings past wash over you with each bite.
What Makes This Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe So Good
A handful of straightforward ingredients here make this French Toast Casserole approachable and unfussy. The custard provides a perfect base for otherwise plain bread, while the cinnamon and brown sugar crust adds depth of flavor. Every bite evokes feelings of comfort and warmth.
Allrecipes / Abbey Littlejohn
Our community loves it, too. Allrecipes user Jo Legault gives it five stars, “Amazing recipe! No modifications required,” she writes. Jo follows the suggestion to bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes and ensures it’s “easy to make and a big crowd-pleaser for brunch!”
Allrecipes member Amber made it for dinner: “Came out with a lovely custard texture and crispy edges—a perfect balance,” she says.
Other reviewers noted their modifications and some tasty ideas include using eggnog as the custard base, sprinkling extra cinnamon into the egg mixture (or using cinnamon raisin bread!), and adding in dollops of cream cheese or extra nuts and fruit. However you choose to make this casserole yours, the 600-plus five-star reviews agree with me that it’s a “keeper” and a “family favorite.”
So much of growing up is about the core memories we carry with us. And for me, these have always been associated with food. All I can hope is that I pass along such cherished sentiments to my crew, with the aromas of butter, cinnamon, and freshly warmed bread in the background.
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