Cinnamon French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you’re after a breakfast that feels like both a hug and a celebration, let me introduce you to my favorite Cinnamon French Toast Casserole! With golden cubes of French bread soaked in a rich, cinnamon-kissed custard and baked atop a layer of buttery brown sugar, this is the ultimate treat for weekends, holidays, or any time you want to make an ordinary morning feel magical.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is loaded with simple, real ingredients you probably already have on hand, but each one plays an important role in bringing out the perfect flavors and textures. Here’s what makes this recipe absolute comfort in a baking dish!

• French Bread (½ loaf, about 8 oz): Slightly stale or dried-out bread is best, as it soaks up all the lush custard without getting soggy—try sourdough or brioche for variety!
• Butter (½ cup): Melted with brown sugar, it forms a decadent caramel-like layer on the bottom of the casserole.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds deep sweetness and rich flavor to the base and topping—use dark brown for extra caramel notes if you love it rich.
• Eggs (6): The backbone of that creamy custard, holding every glorious bite together.
• Milk (2 cups): Brings creaminess and helps the custard infuse into each bread cube; dairy-free options like almond or coconut milk work beautifully too.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Lends that classic French toast aroma and a subtle, cozy sweetness.
• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons, divided): The essential star of this casserole! You’ll use half in the custard and half for that irresistible spiced topping.
• Brown Sugar for Topping (1 tablespoon): A final sprinkle that turns irresistibly crispy in the oven.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional, but a light snowfall over the warm casserole is pure breakfast magic.

Variations

One of the best things about Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize this dish to fit what you have in your pantry, your family’s tastes, or any dietary restrictions—never a dull breakfast in sight!

• Use Different Breads: Try swapping in brioche, challah, or Italian bread for a richer or softer texture—gluten-free breads work well too.
• Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free Options: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and butter with coconut oil; use gluten-free French bread for an allergy-friendly breakfast that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Add Mix-Ins: Sprinkle in fresh berries, banana slices, or even a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts between the bread cubes for fun texture and flavor boosts.
• Make It Extra Spiced: Amp up the coziness with ginger, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice blended into the custard for a festive twist.

How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Caramel Base

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and generously buttering a 13×9 inch baking dish—this makes serving a breeze and prevents sticking. Next, melt your butter in a small saucepan, then swirl in the brown sugar until smooth and glossy. Pour this liquid gold right into the baking dish and spread it evenly to create that dreamy, caramelized layer waiting for the bread on top.

Step 2: Layer the Bread Cubes

Scatter the cubed French bread across the brown sugar-butter base. The more evenly you spread the bread, the better the custard will soak into every nook and cranny—giving every bite an equal share of sweetness and spice.

Step 3: Whisk & Pour the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined. Pour this creamy mixture all over the bread cubes, making sure each piece is moistened and ready to soak up all that flavor magic.

Step 4: Add the Signature Cinnamon Topping

Finish your casserole by sprinkling the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar across the top. This creates a warm, spiced crust that turns beautifully golden in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the kitchen smells like a cinnamon-sugar wonderland. Let it cool for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy. Serve warm and savor every bite!

How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Elevate your Cinnamon French Toast Casserole with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For a fruity touch, scatter sliced strawberries or blueberries on top just before serving—they’ll add a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside crispy bacon or sausage links, a bright fruit salad, or even a simple yogurt parfait. If you’re serving a brunch crowd, consider some fresh-squeezed orange juice or coffee for a balanced, inviting spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Cinnamon French Toast Casserole into neat squares and arrange them on a platter, or serve straight from the baking dish for that cozy, family-style vibe. For a fun brunch touch, offer a toppings bar with assorted fruits, nuts, and syrups so everyone can build their own perfect plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover casserole tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheating individual servings is a breeze and tastes just as delightful as the day you made it—maybe even better as the flavors have time to mingle!

Freezing

You can freeze Cinnamon French Toast Casserole—just bake it, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole (covered) in a 350°F oven for about 20–30 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick fix. A fresh sprinkle of powdered sugar or splash of maple syrup brings back that just-baked goodness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope your kitchen is soon filled with the warm, cozy aroma of Cinnamon French Toast Casserole! It’s a dish that turns any morning into a celebration, and I can’t wait for you to experience its simple magic with your loved ones. Enjoy every cinnamon-swirled bite!

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