Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a cozy, make-ahead breakfast comfort food that brings everyone to the table, you have to try this French Toast Bake. It’s golden, custardy, and filled with warm cinnamon goodness—absolutely perfect for lazy weekends, holidays, or when you need a fuss-free breakfast for a crowd. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Bake
- It comes together in minutes and bakes up beautifully without standing over a stove.
- Perfect for meal prepping or serving to a crowd at brunch gatherings.
- The rich, cinnamon-vanilla custard soaks into fluffy bread cubes, creating an irresistible texture.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings!
- Reheats wonderfully for a convenient breakfast all week long.
French Toast Bake Ingredients
- 1 loaf (16 oz) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup, for serving
How to Make French Toast Bake: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Bread
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Add the cubed French bread to the dish, spreading evenly.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure all pieces are soaked. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Drizzle melted butter over the top of the casserole. Bake, covered with foil, for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve Your French Toast Bake
Let cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup to serve. Enjoy!
French Toast Bake Notes & Tips
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread ensures the best texture—learn why on Serious Eats.
- For a crunchier topping, sprinkle cinnamon-sugar or chopped nuts on before baking.
- Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter custard base.
French Toast Bake Variations
- Berry French Toast Bake: Scatter 1 cup fresh or frozen berries over the bread before pouring the custard.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add 1 cup diced apples and a dash extra cinnamon for a sweet fall twist.
- Chocolate Chip: Mix in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Equipment Needed for French Toast Bake
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp bread knife
- Aluminum foil
French Toast Bake Storage & Shelf Life
Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake covered at 325°F (163°C) for 15 minutes.
For freezing, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve with French Toast Bake
- Crispy bacon, sausage patties, or scrambled eggs for a full brunch spread
- Fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait
- Top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or your favorite jam
Pro Tips for Perfect French Toast Bake
- For extra richness and flavor, use a mix of breads like challah or brioche with French bread.
- Always let the bread soak for at least 3 hours or overnight for the custard to absorb completely.
- Don’t skip resting after baking—the texture improves if allowed to set for 10 minutes before serving! Learn more about the science of custards at Cook’s Illustrated.
French Toast Bake FAQ
- Can I make French Toast Bake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare the night before, refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
- Can I use a different type of bread?
- Yes, brioche or challah give a richer flavor, while regular sandwich bread works in a pinch.
- How do I prevent the French Toast Bake from getting soggy?
- Use day-old bread and don’t oversoak; baking uncovered for the last 20 minutes helps crisp the top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours (or overnight)
Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: About 4 hours
Serves: 8-10
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
Instructions
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1Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the cubed bread evenly in the dish.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
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3Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to soak all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
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4Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and drizzle the melted butter evenly on top.
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5Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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