Can I use a different type of bread if I can't find brioche?

Absolutely! Challah is an excellent substitute with similar richness. French bread, sourdough, or Texas toast can also work, though brioche provides the most luxurious texture. Whatever bread you choose, slightly stale is best for optimal custard absorption.

Why did my French toast casserole turn out soggy in the middle?

This typically happens when there's too much liquid for the amount of bread, or when it hasn't baked long enough. Make sure your bread slices are arranged properly and consider baking an additional 5-10 minutes if the center seems too wet. The casserole should be moist but not soggy

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of whole milk. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, and the center is set but still has some give when gently pressed. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

Name: Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons melted butter; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 (16 ounce) loaf of brioche bread, sliced; 9 eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup maple syrup; 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt

This incredible Brioche French Toast Casserole transforms ordinary breakfast into something truly magical. With its custard-soaked brioche bread and caramelized brown sugar bottom, this casserole delivers the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, tender centers. It’s an impressive dish that comes together with minimal effort, making it perfect for both lazy weekend mornings and special holiday breakfasts when you’d rather be spending time with loved ones than standing over the stove flipping individual slices of French toast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it the night before and simply bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
Crowd Pleaser: This recipe serves 12, making it perfect for family gatherings or brunches with friends.
Perfectly Balanced: The combination of buttery brioche, warm cinnamon, and that caramelized brown sugar bottom creates layers of flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different toppings and mix-ins to suit anyone’s taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brioche Bread: The star of the show! Its buttery, tender texture is what makes this casserole truly spectacular. The richness of brioche absorbs the custard mixture perfectly without becoming soggy.
Butter: Creates that incredible caramelized bottom layer that will have everyone fighting for the corner pieces.
Brown Sugar: Works with the butter to form a subtle caramel-like base that seeps up through the bread during baking.
Eggs: The foundation of our custard mixture, providing structure and richness.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the custard. The fat content helps create that perfect texture.
Maple Syrup: Infuses natural sweetness throughout the casserole, eliminating the need for additional syrup when serving (though you can certainly add more!).
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
Cinnamon: Provides that classic French toast flavor that makes this casserole so cozy and inviting.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your French toast casserole? Here are some delicious options:

Fruit Additions: Layer in sliced apples, berries, or bananas between the bread slices for bursts of fruit flavor.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the top before baking for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Cream Cheese Surprise: Add small cubes of cream cheese between bread layers for pockets of creamy goodness.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Scatter chocolate chips throughout for an extra decadent breakfast treat.
Orange Spice: Add orange zest to the custard mixture and a pinch of nutmeg for a citrus-spiced variation.

How to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, making sure it covers the entire surface. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the butter. This creates that magical caramelized bottom that makes this casserole extra special.

Step 2: Arrange the Bread

Cut your brioche slices in half and arrange them in the casserole dish, slightly overlapping like shingles. This arrangement ensures every piece gets properly soaked while maintaining its shape during baking.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Make sure the cinnamon is fully incorporated with no clumps.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged bread, making sure to get some on every piece. Use a spoon to drizzle custard over any dry spots that might have been missed.

Step 5: Rest and Absorb

Let the casserole sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period is crucial – it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, ensuring a perfect texture after baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp while the center is set but still moist.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Matters: Use real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for the best flavor.
Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale brioche works even better than fresh as it absorbs more custard without falling apart.
Watch the Bake: All ovens vary, so start checking for doneness after removing the foil. The perfect casserole should be puffed up with a golden top and set center.
Even Distribution: Pour the custard in batches, allowing it to soak in between pours for more even distribution.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps them incorporate better and absorb more evenly into the bread.

How to Serve

This Brioche French Toast Casserole is versatile when it comes to serving options:

Toppings:

Serve with additional maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra indulgent breakfast, try a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Side Dishes:

Balance the sweetness with savory sides like crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or a simple fruit salad.

Beverages:

Pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or for special occasions, mimosas or a spiced hot chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance. Assemble the entire dish the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if still cold.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making day-two French toast casserole sometimes even better than the first day!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Cut leftovers into individual portions, wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or place the entire casserole (thawed if frozen) in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread if I can’t find brioche?

Absolutely! Challah is an excellent substitute with similar richness. French bread, sourdough, or Texas toast can also work, though brioche provides the most luxurious texture. Whatever bread you choose, slightly stale is best for optimal custard absorption.
Why did my French toast casserole turn out soggy in the middle?

This typically happens when there’s too much liquid for the amount of bread, or when it hasn’t baked long enough. Make sure your bread slices are arranged properly and consider baking an additional 5-10 minutes if the center seems too wet. The casserole should be moist but not soggy
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of whole milk. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, and the center is set but still has some give when gently pressed. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Final Thoughts

This Brioche French Toast Casserole brings all the comfort of traditional French toast with none of the standing-at-the-stove flipping required. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence – fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough for any weekend morning when you want to make breakfast feel special. The caramelized brown sugar bottom, custardy center, and slightly crisp top create a breakfast experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try this weekend – your breakfast table (and family) will thank you!