Are you hosting a holiday brunch this year? We've got the dish you need to wow the crowds! You have to try this French toast casserole recipe!

a plate of French toast casserole, from Shelf Cooking

By now, you might have noticed that we're a little obsessed with French toast around here! We've got an egg nog French toast recipe, a pumpkin French toast post, and even a recipe for French toast sticks (which are freezer-friendly, by the way). Well, today we're taking things to the next level, just in time for the holidays!

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Whether you've got family coming over for Christmas breakfast or you just want to start a new tradition with your kiddos, you have got to try this French toast casserole recipe! Of course, it's delicious, but it's also dang easy. In true Shelf Cooking style, we bet you already have everything you need to make it, so go ahead and grab that apron and let's get going!

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WHAT TO SERVE WITH FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

egg muffin cups in muffin tin, from Shelf Cooking

If you want to press the easy button on this breakfast, then you're in luck! We've got side dish ideas galore that will help you round out the meal. Try one of these:

Serve several of these sides and set up your own breakfast buffet. That will really wow the crowd!

WHAT ABOUT TOPPINGS?

Want to give this yummy dish a little something extra? Here are some toppings to try:

Whatever you do, don't forget the syrup! Don't worry, we've even got maple syrup substitute ideas for you to try.

WHAT KIND OF BREAD CAN I USE?

loaf of rustic bread, from Shelf Cooking

Okay, before we get to the recipe (and all the ways you can modify it if you need to), let's talk about the bread! Since bread is the main ingredient in French toast, you may be wondering what kind you can use. The short answer is just about any! If you have any of these in your kitchen, you're in luck:

You can also mix and match if you need to! Here's your chance to use up all your leftovers. By the way, the heels of loaf bread are perfect in a French toast casserole!

HOW TO MODIFY THIS RECIPE

Aside from switching up the bread, what are some other ways to modify this recipe if you need to? Try one of these ingredient swaps:

  • Butter Substitute – If you don't have butter, sub in margarine or ghee instead.
  • Brown Sugar – Out of brown sugar? Here are four brown sugar substitutes you can try.
  • Eggs – In a bind and short on eggs? Here are ten egg substitutes.
  • Milk – If you need to make this dairy-free, use a milk alternative like almond, coconut, or soy milk.
  • Vanilla Extract – Don't have any vanilla on hand? You can try one of these vanilla extract substitutes.

Now we think you're ready for anything! Shall we get to the recipe?!

OUR FAVORITE FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE RECIPE

Alright, who's excited?! Give this easy French toast casserole recipe a try! It's good enough to serve around the holidays but easy enough to enjoy all year.

a plate of French toast casserole, from Shelf Cooking

Easy French Toast Casserole Recipe

Sure French toast is awesome, but have you ever tried French toast casserole? This recipe is super easy and perfect for a crowd! Double or triple it if you'd like.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 Tbsp syrup
  • 1 loaf bread, cubed
  • 2 cups milk
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Dash salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Cube your bread into bite-sized pieces. (You can do this ahead of time to cut down on prep.)
  • Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in syrup and brown sugar. Pour mixture into a casserole dish.
  • Add bread cubes to the casserole dish.
  • Beat milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, then pour over the bread.
  • Bake uncovered for around 45 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

Time-saving tip: cube your bread the night before to cut prep time in half!
Keyword French toast casserole

Gosh, we're drooling already! Want to freeze your leftovers or make one for now and one to freeze? Just double wrap your leftovers in plastic and then foil, and be sure to use them within two months. When you're ready to serve them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F for around 20 minutes.

If you can't wait until Christmas morning to give this one a try, go ahead and treat yourself this weekend. We think you deserve it!

What's your all-time favorite breakfast food? We'd love to know, so please leave us a comment!

French toast casserole on a plate, from Shelf Cooking

Looking for more recipes that will please a crowd?

Au revoir!