There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon and vanilla filling the kitchen. This French Toast Casserole is one of our absolute favorite recipes—perfect for special occasions, yet simple enough to meal prep for busy weekday mornings.
It’s cozy, rich, and just sweet enough without being over-the-top. And the best part? You assemble it the night before, so all that’s left in the morning is popping it in the oven. Whether you’re making it for a holiday breakfast or prepping slices to reheat throughout the week, this casserole never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy overnight prep – perfect for holidays or school mornings
Rich, custardy texture from the brioche and eggs
A creamy twist with cottage cheese for extra protein (no one will know!)
Warm cinnamon streusel topping that adds just the right crunch
Ingredients
Casserole:
– 1 loaf brioche bread, chopped
– 10 eggs
– 2 cups cream or milk (or sub ½ cup cream + 1 cup cottage cheese)
– 2 tsp vanilla
– ½ tsp salt
Topping:
– ½ cup flour
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ½ cup cold butter, cubed
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
1. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13 baking dish and layer in the chopped brioche.
In a bowl (or blender if using cottage cheese), whisk together eggs, cream or milk, vanilla, and salt. Pour evenly over the bread, gently pressing down to soak. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cubed butter, salt, and cinnamon until crumbly. Store covered in the fridge overnight.
3. Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the crumble topping over the casserole and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and set.
4. Enjoy!
Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make mornings feel extra special all week long.
Make It Yours
– Add berries or chopped apples before baking
– Use gluten-free bread if needed
– Freeze leftovers in slices and reheat in the toaster oven or microwave
This casserole has become a tradition in our home for birthdays, holidays, and any morning that needs a little extra love. I hope it becomes a favorite in yours too.
French Toast Casserole – A Make-Ahead Brunch Favorite
Ingredients
Casserole:
- 1 loaf brioche bread chopped
- 10 eggs
- 2 cups cream or milk or sub ½ cup cream + 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp salt
Topping:
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup cold butter cubed
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a 9x13 baking dish and layer in the chopped brioche.
- In a bowl (or blender if using cottage cheese), whisk together eggs, cream or milk, vanilla, and salt. Pour evenly over the bread, gently pressing down to soak. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Make the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cubed butter, salt, and cinnamon until crumbly. Store covered in the fridge overnight.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the crumble topping over the casserole and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and set.
Enjoy!
- Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of yogurt. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make mornings feel extra special all week long.
