Ingredients

- 8 +

• 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 350F and position the rack in the center for even heat distribution throughout the casserole

✓ Done

2

Generously grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring all corners and edges are well coated

✓ Done

3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, stirring until well combined

✓ Done

4

Add the cubed French bread to the bowl and toss until the bread is evenly coated with the wet ingredients

✓ Done

5

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating slight peaks on top for better browning

✓ Done

6

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs

✓ Done

Kitchen Tools

• 9x13 inch ceramic or glass casserole dish for even heat distribution and beautiful presentation
• Large mixing bowl with high sides to prevent spilling while combining all ingredients thoroughly
• Sharp chef's knife for precise chopping of ingredients
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for gentle mixing that won't break delicate ingredients

Chef's Tips

Use day-old bread for the best results, as it will soak up the liquid ingredients better

Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let it set properly and make cutting much easier

For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or cinnamon sugar on top of the casserole before baking

Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if the top is browning too quickly

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

️

If the casserole appears too dry during baking, add a splash of milk or cream and cover with foil for the remaining time

️

If not cooking evenly throughout, gently stir the mixture halfway through baking and rotate the dish 180 degrees

️

If the top browns too quickly before the center is done, cover loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking

️

If the texture seems too watery, increase oven temperature by 25F for the last 10 minutes to help excess moisture evaporate

🔄 Recipe Variations

Add some diced ham or bacon for a savory twist

Use different types of bread, such as croissants or brioche, for a unique texture and flavor

Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or chia seeds, for added crunch and nutrition

Use different spices, such as nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique flavor profile

🥗 Healthy Alternatives

Replace heavy cream with low-fat or non-dairy milk alternative to reduce calories and saturated fat

Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread for a nuttier flavor and more fiber

Add some diced fruit, such as apples or berries, to increase the nutritional value and add natural sweetness

Substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey

Pair with a side of fresh fruit or whipped cream for a decadent treat

Top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon for a beautiful presentation

Serve with a side of scrambled eggs or bacon for a hearty breakfast

Nutrition Facts

350

Calories

15g

Protein

40g

Carbs

20g

Fat

🥗 Suitable Diets

Perfectly suitable for vegetarian diets

Can easily be made gluten-free by substituting gluten-free bread

Keto-friendly when reducing high-carb ingredients and increasing healthy fats and proteins

Dairy-free adaptable by using non-dairy milk alternatives

🎨 Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a beautiful presentation

Add a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit on top for a decadent treat

Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for a touch of sweetness

Top with chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition

📦 Storage & Conservation

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months

When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through completely

Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the texture soggy and unappetizing

♻️ Leftover Ideas

Reheat individual portions gently in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and bubbling

Transform leftovers into a unique breakfast burrito by wrapping portions in tortillas with scrambled eggs and cheese

Use cold leftovers as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal for a delicious and healthy snack

Freeze individual portions in meal prep containers for convenient grab-and-go breakfasts during busy weeks

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not letting the casserole rest long enough before serving, resulting in a soggy texture

Overmixing the wet ingredients, resulting in a tough or dense texture

Not using day-old bread, resulting in a casserole that doesn't soak up the liquid ingredients well

Opening the oven door too frequently during baking, causing temperature fluctuations that affect the final texture

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? ▶

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time

How do I know when my casserole is perfectly done? ▶

Your casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs

Can I substitute different types of bread? ▶

Yes! You can use different types of bread, such as croissants or brioche, for a unique texture and flavor

Can I make this casserole gluten-free? ▶

Yes! You can substitute gluten-free bread and adjust the cooking time accordingly

Can I freeze this casserole for meal prep? ▶

Yes! You can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months

Reviews

Emily K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jan 7, 2026

This French toast casserole is the perfect breakfast or brunch recipe! Easy to make and deliciously sweet

David T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Jan 24, 2026

I made this casserole for a crowd and it was a huge hit! The bread soaked up the liquid ingredients perfectly and the topping was crispy and golden

Sarah K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jan 17, 2026

I've been making this casserole for years and it never fails to impress. The flavors are perfect and the texture is always spot on

James B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Jan 27, 2026

I added some diced ham to the casserole and it was a great addition. The smoky flavor paired perfectly with the sweetness of the bread

Rachel G.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jan 29, 2026

This casserole is a game-changer for breakfast or brunch. It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings