Easy Overnight High Protein French Toast Casserole

This protein french toast casserole is a delicious breakfast that tastes like a classic french toast bake but with an extra protein boost to keep you full and energized. Instead of a sugary morning that leads to a sugar crash, this version uses cottage cheese, whole eggs, and optional vanilla protein powder to add a serious protein boost. It’s perfect for weekends, special occasions, or even meal prep, since you can assemble it ahead and bake it the next morning.

I love creating high-protein breakfast recipes that still feel like a treat, and this one checks every box. It has a golden, crisp top, a custardy center, fluffy bread pieces, and warm cinnamon-sugar flavor. Everything you want in a french toast casserole recipe, made with healthy ingredients but without sacrificing comfort. It’s also a great way to reduce food waste, since stale bread works beautifully in a french toast bake.

Whether you serve it with fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a swipe of peanut butter for more protein, this casserole always feels like a crowd pleaser. It’s a great addition to your meal plan, brunch table, or holiday menu and always a hit with the whole family.

If you're looking for more easy high protein make ahead recipes, try this cinnamon roll baked protein oatmeal, everything bagel casserole, or this Christmas morning casserole (that's perfect all year round!)

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It’s a healthy breakfast recipe that tastes like traditional french toast but delivers much protein per serving thanks to cottage cheese, whole eggs, and (optional) vanilla protein powder.
• You can assemble it the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and bake the next morning for effortless hosting or simple meal prep.
• The combination of fluffy bread cubes, a custardy center, and crispy edges makes this a comforting yet macro-friendly twist on a classic french toast recipe.

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Protein French Toast Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Brioche or challah bread. About 14 oz, cut into cubed bread or smaller pieces. Fresh bread or stale bread both work. You can use gluten-free brioche, whole wheat bread, white bread, or even low carb bread if you want fewer carbs.
• Milk of choice. Makes the custard creamy. Use almond milk, whole milk, or oat milk, any works for the french toast batter.
• Cottage cheese. Adds creaminess and extra protein without affecting the custardy texture. Greek yogurt can be substituted for a tangier twist.
• Whole eggs & egg whites. Whole eggs bring richness, while egg whites help increase total protein content without adding many calories.
• Coconut sugar or brown sugar. Sweetens the casserole without overwhelming it. If you prefer less added sugar, use a reduced amount.
• Butter. Helps the casserole bake to a golden brown finish.
• Vanilla extract & cinnamon. Classic flavor pairings for a traditional french toast moment. Add a touch of almond extract or lemon zest for brightness.
• Kosher salt. Balances the sweetness.

• Vanilla protein powder. A great way to give your french toast bake even more protein. I like to use this brand but you can use a scoop of your favorite protein powder if you prefer.
• Drizzle of maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a spoonful of peanut butter for more healthy fats and flavor.

Protein French Toast Casserole Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep the baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit (skip if making overnight). Grease a 9x13 casserole dish with 1 tablespoon melted butter.

2. Mix the custard. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, milk of choice, cottage cheese, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and kosher salt until smooth. Tip: blend your cottage cheese up ahead of time if you do not like the texture of curds.

3. Prepare the bread. Slice brioche into 1-inch bread pieces, then add them to the baking dish, packing tightly into an even layer.

4. Add the egg mixture. Pour the custard evenly over the bread so every cube gets a good bread soak.

5. Bake. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown, the edges are crispy, and the center is custardy.

6. Serve. Top with fresh berries, maple syrup, or peanut butter. Serve warm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For the best results, let the bread soak for at least 15 minutes before baking, or refrigerate overnight.
• Want more protein? Add 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder to the custard.
• Use stale or day-old slices of bread to help the casserole hold together better.
• Swap brioche for challah bread, gluten-free bread, or high-protein bread.
• If making ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices individually to freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave or bake at 300°F until warmed through.

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!