Picture this: it’s a lazy Sunday morning, the coffee’s brewing, and you’re craving something sweet, cozy, and stupidly easy to whip up. Enter French toast casseroles—dessert’s cooler, breakfast-friendly cousin. These 12 recipes are like a warm hug from your favorite bakery, but you can make them at home with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself (no judgment!), these casseroles are packed with indulgent flavors that scream dessert but still pass as breakfast. Who doesn’t love a dish that multitasks like that? 😊 Let’s get to the good stuff.
1. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
This casserole is what happens when a cinnamon roll and French toast have a love child. It’s gooey, sweet, and smells like heaven while it bakes.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche bread, cubed (stale works best)
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish and toss in the cubed brioche.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a big bowl until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the bread, making sure every cube gets some love. Press down gently.
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and maple syrup for a quick frosting. Dollop it over the casserole.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
- Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until golden and set.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
This is pure comfort food—think warm cinnamon rolls without the hassle of rolling dough. I made this for a brunch once, and my friends still talk about it. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like you’re cheating on your diet.
2. Nutella-Stuffed French Toast Casserole
Nutella lovers, this one’s for you. It’s like a chocolate-hazelnut hug in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah bread, sliced thick
- ¾ cup Nutella
- 5 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spread Nutella generously on half the challah slices. Sandwich with the other slices and cut into cubes.
- Arrange cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over the bread.
- Let it soak in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
- Sprinkle hazelnuts on top, then bake at 375°F for 40 minutes.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of Nutella.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole is basically dessert masquerading as breakfast. The Nutella gets all melty and gooey, and the hazelnuts add a nice crunch if you’re feeling fancy. Pro tip: don’t skimp on the soak time—it’s what makes it magical.
3. Blueberry Cheesecake French Toast Casserole
Blueberries and cheesecake in a French toast casserole? Yes, please. It’s like your favorite dessert decided to join the breakfast club.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scatter half the bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Dot with cream cheese cubes and blueberries, then top with remaining bread.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over the casserole.
- Chill for 2–4 hours.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top, then bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
The cream cheese melts into creamy pockets, and the blueberries burst with flavor. I tried using frozen berries once, and it was still amazing—just drain them well. This one’s perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
4. Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole
Fall vibes in a dish, this casserole is like a pumpkin pie you can eat for breakfast. No judgment if you sneak a slice at midnight.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf sourdough bread, cubed
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Blend eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Pour over bread.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top with pecans, then bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes.
- Serve with whipped cream or maple syrup.
Why You’ll Love It
This screams cozy sweater weather. The pumpkin puree makes it rich without being heavy, and the pecans add just the right crunch. It’s my go-to when I want to pretend I’m living in a fall Pinterest board.
5. Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole
Caramelized bananas and a hint of rum flavor? This casserole is basically a party in a pan.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche, cubed
- 4 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp rum extract (or real rum, if you’re feeling wild)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Toss bread cubes into a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, rum extract, and cinnamon. Pour over bread.
- Layer banana slices on top and drizzle with melted butter.
- Chill for 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake at 375°F for 40 minutes until golden.
- Serve with caramel sauce or whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
The bananas get all caramelized and gooey, making every bite feel like a special occasion. I once used overripe bananas, and it was next-level. Perfect for when you want to feel fancy without much effort.
6. Chocolate Peanut Butter French Toast Casserole
If you think peanut butter and chocolate belong together (and who doesn’t?), this casserole is your new BFF.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf white bread, cubed
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 5 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spread peanut butter on half the bread cubes and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Layer in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Pour over the bread.
- Chill for 4 hours or overnight.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Why You’ll Love It
This is like a Reese’s cup in casserole form. The peanut butter gets melty, and the chocolate chips make it feel like dessert. FYI, crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture if you’re into that.
7. Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
Think apple pie, but make it breakfast. This casserole is cozy, sweet, and smells amazing.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah, cubed
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup oats (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place half the bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish, add apples, then top with remaining bread.
- Whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour over the casserole.
- Chill for 2–4 hours.
- Sprinkle oats on top, then bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Serve with maple syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (because why not?).
Why You’ll Love It
The apples soften into sweet, juicy bites, and the oats give it a slight crunch. I made this for Thanksgiving brunch, and it disappeared faster than the actual pie. It’s a winner for cozy mornings.
8. Lemon Raspberry French Toast Casserole
Bright, zesty, and just a little tart—this casserole is like sunshine in a dish.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche, cubed
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Scatter bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish and top with raspberries and lemon zest.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Pour over the bread.
- Chill for 2 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
The lemon cuts through the sweetness, and the raspberries add a pop of color and flavor. It’s perfect for spring brunches or when you need a break from heavier desserts. I’m obsessed with how fresh it tastes.
9. S’mores French Toast Casserole
Campfire vibes without the sticky marshmallows on your fingers. This casserole is pure nostalgia.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, cubed
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer bread cubes, chocolate chips, and marshmallows in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla. Pour over the mixture.
- Chill for 4 hours or overnight.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top, then bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Why You’ll Love It
This is like eating s’mores without the campfire smoke in your hair. The marshmallows get gooey, and the graham cracker crumbs add that perfect crunch. Kids and adults go wild for this one.
10. Coconut Cream Pie French Toast Casserole
Tropical vibes meet breakfast comfort. This casserole is creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf brioche, cubed
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup toasted coconut (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place bread cubes and shredded coconut in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla. Pour over the bread.
- Chill for 2–4 hours.
- Top with toasted coconut, then bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel.
Why You’ll Love It
The coconut milk makes it so rich, and the toasted coconut adds a nutty crunch. I brought this to a potluck, and people thought I was a baking genius. Spoiler: it’s ridiculously easy.
11. Strawberry Shortcake French Toast Casserole
This casserole is like eating strawberry shortcake for breakfast, but without the guilt. Sign me up!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf white bread, cubed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup whipped cream (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer bread cubes and strawberries in a greased 9×13 dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Pour over the mixture.
- Chill for 2 hours.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes.
- Top with whipped cream and extra strawberries.
Why You’ll Love It
The strawberries add a fresh, juicy pop, and the whipped cream makes it feel like dessert. This is my go-to for summer brunches. Pro tip: use ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
12. Tiramisu French Toast Casserole
Coffee and dessert in one dish? This casserole is your morning pick-me-up with a side of indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah, cubed
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp espresso or strong coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place bread cubes in a greased 9×13 dish and dot with mascarpone.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, espresso, and vanilla. Pour over the bread.
- Chill for 4 hours or overnight.
- Dust with cocoa powder, then bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or whipped cream.
Why You’ll Love It
The espresso gives it a subtle coffee kick, and the mascarpone melts into creamy bliss. I tried swapping mascarpone for cream cheese once—big mistake. Stick with the good stuff for that true tiramisu vibe.
Wrapping It Up
These 12 French toast casseroles are your ticket to breakfasts (or sneaky desserts) that feel like a treat without the fuss. From gooey Nutella to zesty lemon raspberry, there’s something here for every sweet tooth. Pick one, grab your ingredients, and get ready to impress your taste buds—or your brunch crew. What’s not to love about a dish that’s this easy and tastes this good? 😉
