French Toast Casserole

French Toast Casserole 

Healthy Fact of the Day

French Toast Casserole is an indulgent breakfast treat high in calories, sugar, and fat. To make it healthier, use whole grain bread for added fiber and nutrients. Consider using milk instead of cream and reducing sugar content. Egg whites can replace some whole eggs to reduce cholesterol. Adding fresh fruit provides vitamins and fiber. Nuts contribute healthy fats and protein. For a lighter version, use almond milk and natural sweeteners like mashed bananas or applesauce. While delicious, this dish is best enjoyed as an occasional treat. Consider serving with a protein-rich side like Greek yogurt and plenty of fresh fruit to create a more balanced breakfast.

Ingredients

 

  • 1 large loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt

 

For the topping:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

 

For serving:

  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange bread cubes in prepared dish.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Pour mixture evenly over bread. Press bread down gently to absorb liquid.
  5. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  6. Next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. For topping, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
  8. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  9. Stir in pecans.
  10. Sprinkle topping evenly over soaked bread.
  11. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set.
  12. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
  13. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with desired toppings.

 

Dig into this French Toast Casserole and watch as the crispy, pecan-studded top gives way to a tender, custardy center! Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet cinnamon, buttery bread, and crunchy topping that makes breakfast feel like dessert. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or treating the family to a special weekend breakfast, this make-ahead marvel promises to start the day with a smile. So cube that bread, whisk those eggs, and get ready to transform your kitchen into the coziest breakfast spot in town!

Recent Recipes

The Food Scientist’s Guide to a Better

  • June 16, 2026
  • 10 min read

Pork Belly Tacos

  • June 16, 2026
  • 10 min read

Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese

  • June 16, 2026
  • 8 min read

The Lost Language of Regional American Food

  • June 15, 2026
  • 10 min read

Lemon Chicken Romano

  • June 15, 2026
  • 9 min read

Pepsi Just Dropped a 28-Can Variety Pack

  • June 15, 2026
  • 4 min read

S’mores Muddy Buddies

  • June 15, 2026
  • 11 min read

Father’s Day Is One Week Away —

  • June 14, 2026
  • 4 min read

Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites

  • June 14, 2026
  • 16 min read

Smoky Black Bean & Cotija Bites

  • June 14, 2026
  • 14 min read

Tip of the Day

“Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

Our Latest Recipes

Blog
Daily Disher

The Food Scientist’s Guide to a Better Home Kitchen

Understanding the science of cooking temperatures and protein denaturation has direct nutritional implications: cooking proteins at lower temperatures for longer periods — as in poaching, sous vide preparation, and gentle braising — preserves significantly more of the heat-sensitive B vitamins, particularly thiamine and B6, than high-heat cooking methods. The same scientific principles that produce better texture in gently cooked proteins also produce better nutritional retention — making the food science of low-temperature cooking a nutritional consideration as much as a culinary one.

Read More »
Entrees
Benjamin Brown

Pork Belly Tacos

While pork belly is undeniably rich, it provides high-quality protein and contains monounsaturated fats similar to those in olive oil. The key to enjoying it is portion control and balance—a few slices of pork belly with plenty of fresh vegetables and citrus creates a satisfying meal. The orange juice marinade adds vitamin C while helping tenderize the meat.

Read More »
Appetizers
Amelia Grace

Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers with Goat Cheese

Mini sweet peppers are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, and their natural sweetness means they need no added sugar to taste indulgent alongside the goat cheese filling. Goat cheese is lower in calories and fat than many other soft cheeses, and its strong flavor means a small amount per pepper provides rich, satisfying taste without a heavy hand.

Read More »

Get your daily dose of delicious!

Skip to content