Brunch just got a whole lot more delicious thanks to this easy Brioche French Toast Casserole! It's the perfect make ahead brunch option for weekend mornings or special occasions alike. Made with basic ingredients like buttery brioche bread, brown sugar and cinnamon. The best part is, this recipe is can be made gluten free, or not, to fit your needs!
I'm always looking for delicious breakfast options to serve on holiday mornings and this brioche french toast casserole usually tops the list. I've been making it every Christmas morning for the last few years now. It's the perfect hearty breakfast for a crowd and can even be prepared the night before so the only thing you'll have to do is pop it in the oven the morning of!
If you like this baked brioche french toast casserole, then you'll love these easy no rise gluten free bagels, or these super fluffy gluten free pancakes, too!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's the perfect make ahead brunch. Prepare this overnight brioche french toast casserole ahead of time to save you loads of time on the next morning. Simply pop it in the oven, let it bake, and enjoy your weekend brunch!
- It can be made gluten free. I prefer to use gluten free brioche, but you can use regular as well if that suits your preference. Either way, it's all just as delish!
- It's elevated. Rather than plain old classic french toast, this brioche french toast is the perfect breakfast to serve when you're looking to impress your guests.
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Brioche French Toast Casserole Ingredients & Tested Substitutions
- Brioche Bread. I prefer to use gluten free brioche (Canyon Bakehouse makes a great one!), but you're welcome to use regular brioche if you're not gluten free & you'd prefer to use that type of bread. This recipe works with stale bread just as well as it works with fresh brioche. If you're using stale bread, you may want to allow the pieces of bread to soak in the egg & milk mixture overnight.
- Eggs. Eggs are necessary and cannot be substituted. You will need large eggs for this recipe.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream. You can also use non-dairy milk and non-dairy cream or half and half.
- Grass-fed Unsalted Butter. I prefer to use unsalted butter when baking but you’re welcome to use salted butter if your tastebuds prefer. You can also use vegan butter if you're making a dairy free version.
- Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar. Brown sugar or coconut sugar will work interchangeably. It's up to your personal preference which you decide to use.
- Vanilla Extract. Use a high quality vanilla extract for best results.
- Kosher Salt.
- Cinnamon.
Brioche French Toast Step by Step Instructions
- Prep for baking. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F (skip this step if you're making overnight french toast casserole.) Grease an 8x8 casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Prepare the custard mixture. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter and vanilla extract. Whisk until fluffy, then add sugar, salt & cinnamon, whisking again to combine. Set aside.
3. Prepare the brioche. Slice the brioche up into 1-inch cubes. Toss the bread cubes into the casserole dish, spreading them evenly along the bottom making sure the bread cubes are tightly packed in an even, single layer. Pour the custard mixture over top of the brioche, ensuring you've well coated each bread cube with custard.
4. Bake. Bake in a 350 F oven for 35-45 minutes or until the brioche is golden brown & crisp on the edges.
5. Serve. Serve with real maple syrup, fresh blueberries or your favorite fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream.
Brioche French Toast Casserole FAQs
Can you make this french toast casserole ahead of time?
One of the best parts about this easy french toast casserole is that you can absolutely make it ahead of time and serve it the next day. All you'll need to do is prepare the custard mixture, cube the brioche loaf, arrange the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish, pour the egg mixture on top, cover the dish in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge overnight. You'll do the baking (and the eating!) the next day.
Can I make this a gluten free casserole?
If you are gluten free, you absolutely can find gluten free brioche from brands like Canyon Bakehouse. (Please note this post is not sponsored, I just really love their gluten free brioche rolls!)
What other types of bread can be used for this french toast casserole?
If you don't have brioche on hand, you can make this with challah bread, sourdough bread, or your favorite type of bread. You could even try this amazing croissant french toast bake!
What to serve with french toast casserole?
Serve french toast casserole with a side of bacon, breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs or fresh fruit. You can also top it with homemade whipped cream, fresh berries, real maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
How to store brioche french toast casserole
Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
How to reheat brioche french toast casserole
If you have leftover french toast casserole, you can reheat it in the oven at 350F for 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can also reheat it in the air fryer! Simply remove the french toast from the baking dish, place it in a well greased air fryer basket and reheat at 350 for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
If You Enjoyed This Recipe You Might Also Enjoy
- Homemade Crema Mascarpone for topping. It's like whipped cream, but better!
- Fluffy Pancakes
- Croissant French Toast Casserole
- Creamy Iced Oat Milk Latte
- Iced Strawberry Latte
Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!
Brioche French Toast Casserole
Equipment
- 1 8x8 casserole dish
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 14 oz brioche bread about 4 cups, gluten free or regular
- 1 cups whole milk or milk of choice like dairy free oat milk
- ½ cups heavy cream or half & half/df cream
- 5 tablespoon butter divided, melted
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- maple syrup and optional berries & whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Prep for baking. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F (skip this step if you're making overnight french toast casserole.) Grease an 8x8 casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Prepare the custard mixture. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter and vanilla extract. Whisk until fluffy, then add sugar, salt & cinnamon, whisking again to combine. Set aside.
- Prepare the brioche. Slice the brioche up into 1-inch cubes. Toss the bread cubes into the casserole dish, spreading them evenly along the bottom making sure the bread cubes are tightly packed in an even, single layer. Pour the custard mixture over top of the brioche, ensuring you've well coated each bread cube with custard.
- Bake. Bake in a 350 F oven for 35-45 minutes or until the brioche is golden brown & crisp on the edges.
- Serve. Serve with real maple syrup, fresh blueberries or your favorite fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream
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