The Best Brioche French Toast Casserole You’ll Ever Try!

French toast, but make it extra special—that’s exactly what brioche French toast casserole is all about! Whether you’re preparing a delicious weekend breakfast or a make-ahead brunch dish for a crowd, this casserole is a total game-changer.

Soft, buttery brioche bread, soaked in a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard and baked to golden perfection—every bite is a heavenly mix of fluffy, creamy, and slightly crispy edges. And the best part? It’s super easy to make and can be prepped the night before!

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about brioche French toast casserole, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to common mistakes and how to fix them. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Still wondering if this dish is worth making? Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

✔️ Easy to prepare – Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
✔️ Perfect for meal prep – Make it ahead and bake when ready.
✔️ Rich, buttery flavor – Thanks to brioche bread!
✔️ Great for serving a crowd – A no-fuss brioche French toast casserole recipe that is perfect for any occasion.
✔️ Customizable – Add fruits, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel.

If you love classic French toast, this baked version takes things to the next level! Speaking of French toast, have you ever wondered what happened to French toast bagels? They were once a popular breakfast option!

What Makes Brioche French Toast Casserole Special?

So, what makes this dish different from regular French toast?

1. The Secret Ingredient: Brioche Bread

Unlike plain white or sandwich bread, brioche is ultra-buttery, slightly sweet, and super soft, making it the perfect sponge for soaking up custard without falling apart.

“Brioche is to French toast what a luxury mattress is to sleep—it just makes everything better.”

2. The Baked Factor

Instead of standing over a skillet flipping slices one by one, this brioche French toast casserole is baked in one dish, freeing you up to do other things while it cooks. Baked French toast casseroles are not only easier to prepare but also allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

3. Crisp on the Outside, Custardy on the Inside

The oven creates that perfect contrast—a golden, slightly crispy top and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

Now that we know why it’s so special, let’s dive into what you’ll need to make it! If you’re wondering which bread works best, check out this guide on the best bread for French toast to find other great alternatives to brioche.

Ingredients for Brioche French Toast Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make the best brioche French toast casserole for a flavorful and satisfying breakfast.

Main Ingredients

Optional Add-Ins

Want to make it extra special? Try adding:

• Fresh berries – Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries
• Nuts – Pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Chocolate chips – For a decadent twist (or try this Chocolate Chip Pancake Recipe if you’re a chocolate lover!)
• Cream cheese – Cubed and added between the bread for a cheesecake-like texture

Pro Tip: Stale brioche works even better than fresh! It absorbs more custard without getting soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Brioche French Toast Casserole

Now let’s get to the fun part—making this mouthwatering breakfast!

Step 1: Prep the Brioche Bread

1. Cut the brioche into cubes (about 1-inch pieces). If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry out.
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3. Evenly spread the brioche bread cubes in the baking dish to create the perfect base for your brioche French toast casserole.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. If you’re curious about custard-based desserts, you may also enjoy learning the difference between crème brûlée and custard.
2. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the brioche, making sure all pieces are coated.
3. Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the liquid.

“Think of brioche like a sponge—it needs time to absorb the custard for maximum flavor.”

Step 3: Let It Soak (Recommended Overnight!)

• For the best results, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, creating a richer texture.
• Short on time? Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Brioche French Toast Casserole

Now that we’ve prepped our brioche French toast casserole, it’s time to bake it to golden perfection! This step is crucial because getting the right balance between crispy edges and a soft, custardy center can make or break the dish.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure it’s fully heated before baking.
2. Remove the casserole from the fridge if you refrigerated it overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to ensure even baking.
3. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This prevents the top from browning too quickly.
4. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
5. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean (or with only a slight custard texture), it’s ready!

Pro Tip: If you prefer an extra crispy top, switch to broil mode for the last 2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the custard to set, making it easier to cut and serve.

Now that we’ve perfected the baking process, let’s talk about common problems and how to fix them.

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Even the best bakers run into issues now and then! Here are the most common problems when making brioche French toast casserole and how to fix them.

Why Is My French Toast Casserole Soggy?

A soggy casserole usually happens when:
❌ The bread wasn’t dry enough before soaking.
❌ The custard-to-bread ratio was too high.
❌ It wasn’t baked long enough.

✅ Fix:

• Use day-old or slightly stale brioche to absorb the custard properly.
• Make sure to bake uncovered for the last 15–20 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate.
• Let the casserole rest before slicing—it continues to set as it cools!

How to Avoid a Dry French Toast Casserole

A dry casserole can be disappointing, but it’s preventable! Common causes include:
❌ Not enough custard mixture.
❌ Overbaking at too high a temperature.
❌ Using bread that’s too thickly cut (it won’t absorb custard well).

✅ Fix:

• Ensure the bread is evenly coated with custard—press it down gently before baking.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) and avoid higher temperatures, which can dry out the dish.
• If you notice it looks dry, drizzle extra cream or syrup after baking.

Why Does My French Toast Taste Too Eggy?

Some people dislike an overly eggy flavor in French toast casseroles. This happens when:
❌ Too many eggs are used without enough dairy.
❌ The mixture isn’t whisked properly, leaving eggy pockets.

✅ Fix:

• Stick to the recommended milk-to-egg ratio—a mix of whole milk and heavy cream balances the flavor.
• Whisk the custard thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.

Can I Make Brioche French Toast Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep.

✅ For overnight prep: Assemble everything the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a stress-free breakfast!
✅ For longer storage: You can freeze it before or after baking.

To freeze before baking: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
To freeze after baking: Let it cool completely, then cut into portions. Reheat individual servings in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Best Bread for French Toast Casserole

Although brioche is the gold standard for French toast casserole, there are other great bread options too!

Why Brioche is the Best Choice

Brioche is made with butter, eggs, and sugar, making it:
✔️ Rich and buttery
✔️ Slightly sweet (no extra sugar needed!)
✔️ Soft yet sturdy—perfect for soaking custard

Other Bread Options for French Toast Casserole

If you don’t have brioche, try these alternatives:

Each bread gives a slightly different texture, so choose based on what you like!

Serving Suggestions & Toppings

Now that your brioche French toast casserole is golden and delicious, let’s talk about the best ways to serve it!

Best Syrups & Sauces

Nothing beats drizzling something sweet over a warm slice. Try:
🍁 Classic maple syrup – A timeless favorite
🍫 Chocolate sauce – For a decadent twist
🍯 Honey or agave syrup – A natural sweetness

Fruits & Nuts for Extra Flavor

Adding fresh fruit or crunchy nuts takes this dish to the next level!

• Fresh berries – Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
• Sliced bananas – Pairs beautifully with caramel
• Toasted pecans or almonds – Adds crunch

Pairing with Side Dishes

Want a complete brunch spread? Here’s what to serve alongside:
🥓 Crispy bacon or sausage – A savory contrast to the sweetness
🍳 Scrambled eggs – Keeps the meal balanced
🥤 Freshly squeezed orange juice – A refreshing pairing

Pro Tip: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top just before serving for a bakery-style finish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

One of the best things about brioche French toast casserole is that it stores and reheats beautifully. Whether you’re making it ahead for busy mornings or saving leftovers, proper storage ensures it stays fresh and delicious.

How to Store Leftovers Properly

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case because it’s so good!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

🥶 Refrigeration:

• Allow the casserole to cool completely.
• Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

❄️ Freezing (For Longer Storage):
Want to keep it for later? Freezing is a great option!

• Slice the casserole into individual portions.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a ziplock bag.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Pro Tip: Freeze the casserole before baking for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience when reheated!

Best Methods for Reheating Without Drying Out

When reheating, the goal is to retain the creamy texture without making it dry or rubbery.

🔥 Oven (Best for Large Portions)

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Place the casserole (or slices) in a baking dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.

🌬 Air Fryer (Crispy Top Method!)

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices in the basket and heat for 4–5 minutes.
• The air fryer keeps the edges crispy while warming the inside.

🎛 Microwave (Quickest Method, But Less Crispy)

• Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• Heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

Avoid microwaving for too long—it can make the bread rubbery!

Now that we’ve covered storage and reheating, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? Here are answers to the most common ones about brioche French toast casserole.

Why is my French toast casserole soggy?

A soggy casserole is usually due to too much liquid or not enough baking time. Make sure to:
✔️ Use stale brioche for better absorption.
✔️ Bake uncovered for the last 15–20 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
✔️ Let the casserole rest before serving—it firms up as it cools.

What is the best bread for French toast casserole?

The best bread is one that’s rich and sturdy enough to absorb custard without falling apart. Brioche is the top choice, but other good options include:
✔️ Challah – Similar to brioche, slightly eggy and sweet.
✔️ French bread – Firmer texture, good for a chewier bite.
✔️ Sourdough – Adds a tangy twist for a unique flavor.

What is the most common mistake in making French toast?

The biggest mistakes people make include:
❌ Using fresh, soft bread (which turns mushy).
❌ Not whisking the custard well (leading to eggy clumps).
❌ Cooking at too high a temperature (burning the outside, leaving the inside raw).

“Think of making French toast like making a great sponge cake—you want it to soak just enough, not too much!”

Is brioche good for French toast?

Absolutely! Brioche is one of the best breads for French toast because of its:
✔️ Rich buttery flavor that enhances the dish.
✔️ Soft texture that absorbs custard perfectly.
✔️ Slight sweetness that pairs well with syrup and fruit.

If you want a restaurant-quality French toast, brioche is the way to go!

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

And there you have it—everything you need to make the best brioche French toast casserole!

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

✔️ Easy to make with simple ingredients.
✔️ Perfect for meal prep—prep ahead and bake fresh!
✔️ Crowd-pleasing dish for brunches, holidays, or special mornings.
✔️ Customizable with different toppings and mix-ins.

Whether you’re making it for a lazy Sunday breakfast or a festive holiday brunch, this brioche French toast casserole is guaranteed to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, bake up a batch, and enjoy a slice of buttery, cinnamon-kissed goodness!

“Good food brings people together—so why not start the day with a warm, delicious breakfast?”