Recipe: Baked French Toast Casserole
Sunday mornings are for slowing down, sipping coffee (or hot chocolate for the kids), and enjoying family time around the breakfast table. This baked French toast casserole is perfect for those mornings; warm, comforting, and just the right amount of sweet. The best part? You can prep it the night before and simply pop it in the oven, leaving more time for snuggles and laughter.
Serves: 6–8
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
For the casserole:
1 loaf of thick bread (brioche, challah, or sourdough works well)
6 large eggs (or 1 cup aquafaba for plant-based)
1 ½ cups milk (or almond, oat, or soy milk for plant-based)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener)
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Pinch of salt
Optional toppings:
Fresh berries
Sliced bananas
Chopped nuts
Extra maple syrup
Instructions
Prep the bread: Slice your bread into thick cubes and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs (or aquafaba), milk, vanilla, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Combine: Pour the custard over the bread cubes, making sure all pieces are coated. Press gently to help the bread soak up the custard.
Chill (optional): For the best results, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to overnight. This helps the bread absorb more custard for a richer bake.
Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown on top and custard is set.
Serve: Sprinkle with berries, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Serve warm with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Tips & Variations
Plant-based version: Use aquafaba instead of eggs and your favorite plant-based milk. A touch more maple syrup can add richness.
Add-ins: Chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruit can make it extra special for the kids.
Make it ahead: Assemble the night before for a stress-free morning.