• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
State of Dinner
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips
  • State Dishes
  • Start Here
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen Tips
  • State Dishes
  • Start Here
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Kitchen Tips
    • State Dishes
    • Start Here
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Breakfast Recipes » Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

    Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe

    Published: Nov 2, 2022 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

    • Share
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest pin: Brioche french toast casserole in a baking dish sitting angeled on counter.

    This Brioche French Toast Casserole is easy and impressive! A sweet vanilla custard is baked into buttery brioche bread along with a rich and gooey caramel sauce. This is a show-stopping recipe perfect for any brunch!

    French toast casserole in white rectangular dish, with gold forks in one corner, and mixed berries in another.
    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Key Ingredients
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Variations
    • Storage and Reheating
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Recommended Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Every year on Christmas Eve I make two casseroles: This easy Brioche French Toast Casserole and a Sausage Green Chile Casserole. Combined, they take about 20 minutes to put together.

    They sit in the refrigerator overnight, and then it is like an extra gift on Christmas morning. Just before we open our presents, I slide both of the casseroles into the oven. We slice up the oranges that my kids always get in their stockings, and breakfast is done!

    This casserole is the perfect breakfast for Christmas morning, New Year's, or any time when you want something that is easy, yet impressive.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    Dessert-like Breakfast Treat - Let's just admit it. French toast casserole is basically bread pudding for breakfast. Sure it is indulgent, but special occasions call for a treat and this is a delicious breakfast that the whole family will love!

    Another decadent breakfast recipe you may love is Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling! Yum!

    Fast and Easy - It takes less than 10 minutes to throw this recipe together and then it bakes in the oven. So much easier than cooking individual pieces of French toast.

    Can be Made Ahead - Overnight French toast casserole can be made up to 24 hours before baking! Store it in the refrigerator and it will be ready to bake the next morning. It's the perfect recipe for a holiday brunch or even relaxing weekend mornings

    Key Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients for brioche french toast casserole.

    See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients, including measurements.

    Brioche Bread - Brioche is a rich sweet bread made with a high ratio of eggs and butter. It has a puffy texture that absorbs the custard really nicely.

    Half and Half - Using half and half makes a creamy, rich custard. A mix of heavy cream and whole milk can also be used.

    Eggs - Eggs provide structure to the custard and bind the bread cubes together.

    Brown Sugar - Light or dark brown sugar can be used. This melts with the butter to create a decadent caramel sauce that sweetens the casserole.

    Bourbon - The alcohol gets cooked out of the bourbon, so this is still a family-friendly treat. If you do not want to use bourbon then you can replace it with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 2 tablespoons of Grand Marnier. The sauce is even delicious just leaving this ingredient out completely.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    1) Cube Brioche

    • Stale bread works best but I have made this with fresh brioche as well.
    • Cut the bread into 1-2 inch cubes, then transfer them into a prepared baking dish.

    2) Whisk Custard

    • Whisk the eggs and the other custard ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
    • Make sure that the eggs whisked into the custard mixture really well so it bakes up with a smooth consistency.
    • The cinnamon will float to the top. That's okay!
    • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread and gently press the cubes into the custard.
    • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. This allows the custard to soak into the bread.-
    • When you are ready to bake, remove the casserole dish from the refrigerator and place it on the counter at room temperature while the oven is preheating.

    3) Make Sauce

    • While the oven is preheating, melt the butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan until they are bubbling.
    • Once it starts to bubble remove the pan from the heat and stir in the bourbon, if using.
    • It will bubble up. Just keep stirring until it is all mixed in.
    • Pour the sauce over the top of the casserole.

    4) Bake

    • Bake for 40-45 minutes. The bread will puff up and turn golden brown.
    4 steps to making overnight french toast casserole: bread cubes, custard, sauce, and bake.

    Serve with fresh berries and a sausage egg casserole for a simple meal.

    Variations

    I love this Brioche French Toast Casserole just as it is, but if you are looking to mix it up, there are many wonderful variations that you can make.

    Pecan - Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans over the top of your casserole before baking.

    Apple - Slice 3 large apples. When making the sauce, melt the butter and add the apples and brown sugar. Cook for 7-8 minutes, until apples, are softened. When making this version, I like to add cinnamon to the apple mixture instead of in the custard. Spoon apples over the bread before baking.

    Blueberry - Sprinkle 1 cup of frozen or fresh berries over the custard-soaked bread cubes before baking.

    Orange - Replace 1 cup of half and half with a cup of orange juice, and add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the custard. Use Grand Marnier in the sauce instead of bourbon.

    Chocolate Chips - Use a chocolate chip brioche loaf instead of regular brioche. Or sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips over the pieces of bread instead of caramel sauce.

    Cream Cheese - Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Drop tablespoon dollops over the soaked bread and bake according to the recipe directions.

    Maple Syrup - Skip the homemade caramel sauce and serve this casserole with warm syrup instead.

    Close up of the casserole with a spoon in it.

    Storage and Reheating

    • Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • To reheat a large portion of leftovers, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
    • Individual portions can be microwaved at 50% power for 1-2 minutes.

    Recipe FAQs

    Do I have to let the French Toast Casserole sit overnight?

    The benefit of letting the casserole sit for at least 2 hours is that the custard soaks completely into the bread. But if you don't have time to wait, the dish will still be delicious! It just may have an uneven consistency.

    How do I make Baked French Toast Casserole without bourbon?

    The bourbon can be omitted if you prefer. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.

    Can I use a different type of bread?

    Brioche bread makes this a rich and indulgent casserole, but other bread options work really well also! I often make this recipe using French bread. Italian, sourdough, or challah bread would also work very well.

    Square of casserole on a plate with berries on top.

    Recommended Recipes

    • Overhead of sausage & green chile breakfast casserole.
      Green Chile Egg Casserole with Sausage
    • 5 slices of banana bread in a stack.
      Moist Banana Bread Without Baking Soda
    • Close up of 5 ingredient hashbrown casserole with a serving cut out of it.
      5-Ingredient Sausage Hash Brown Casserole
    • 3 slices of pumpkin bread stacked.
      Applesauce Pumpkin Bread

    Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind-the-scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

    Recipe

    Square of brioche casserole on a plate with berries on top.

    Brioche French Toast Casserole

    Recipe by: Erin
    This Brioche French Toast Casserole is easy and impressive! A sweet vanilla custard is baked into buttery brioche bread along with a rich and gooey caramel sauce. This is a show-stopping recipe perfect for any brunch!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Breakfast, Brunch
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 494 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 loaf brioche bread (16 ounces)
    • 6 eggs
    • 2 ½ cups half and half (625 ml)
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ¾ cup butter (170 grams)
    • 1 ⅓ cups brown sugar (279 grams)
    • 2 tablespoons bourbon (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
    • Slice the bread into 1-inch cubes. Arrange bread in the baking dish.
      1 loaf brioche bread
    • In a large bowl, whisk the half and half, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour over the top of the bread. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, or overnight.
      6 eggs, 2 ½ cups half and half, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
    • When ready to bake, place the casserole dish on the counter and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
    • While the oven is preheating, combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and stir until the brown sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and mix in the bourbon.
      ¾ cup butter, 1 ⅓ cups brown sugar, 2 tablespoons bourbon
    • Pour the brown sugar sauce over the top of the casserole, then bake it in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    • A mixture of whole milk and heavy cream can be used instead of half and half.
    • French bread, Italian bread, sourdough, or challah bread can be used instead of brioche.
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
    • To reheat a large portion of leftovers, place in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
    • Individual portions can be microwaved at 50% power for 1-2 minutes

    Nutrition

    Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 268mg | Sodium: 426mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1342IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Share a photo of your creation with your friends!Mention @stateofdinner or tag #stateofdinner!

    This recipe was originally published on December 18, 2020. It was updated on November 2, 2022, to use brioche for the bread. The original recipe used 1 cup of milk and 1 ½ cups of half and half. Using all half and half makes a richer casserole. Here is one of the original images.

    Close up of French toast casserole with bourbon sauce spilling over it, and a few blueberries.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Ashley

      July 08, 2021 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      We've been in a breakfast rut lately, but bourbon french toast sounds like exactly what we are looking for! I cannot wait to try your recipe! It sounds incredible.

      Reply
      • Erin

        July 08, 2021 at 5:31 pm

        It is a great way to get you out of that rut! Check out the biscuits and gravy recipes on the site as well. We just enjoyed them for brunch last week!

        Reply
    2. Jeri

      July 08, 2021 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy to make and, over the top delicious! It's the best-tasting french toast recipe I've ever had! I will definitely be making this again!

      Reply
      • Erin

        July 08, 2021 at 5:31 pm

        So glad to hear it, Jeri! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    3. Alexandra

      July 08, 2021 at 5:10 am

      5 stars
      Incredibly delicious - and will be on repeat in our household! Yum!

      Reply
      • Erin

        July 08, 2021 at 5:32 pm

        That's wonderful! Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Jeannie

      July 07, 2021 at 11:11 pm

      5 stars
      I need to try this french toast casserole so intriguing!

      Reply
      • Erin

        July 08, 2021 at 5:32 pm

        You will love it!

        Reply
    5. Anaiah

      July 07, 2021 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      Can't believe I've never made a french toast casserole before! The bourbon brown sugar sauce was a perfect addition.

      Reply
      • Erin

        July 08, 2021 at 5:32 pm

        It's time to give it a try! I hope you love it!

        Reply
    6. Audrey

      July 07, 2021 at 7:31 pm

      5 stars
      This was absolutely delicious!

      Reply
      • Erin

        July 08, 2021 at 5:32 pm

        So glad to hear that!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Photo of Erin Gierhart

    Welcome! I'm Erin: Wife, mom, lover of great food, and former food safety administrator. I am passionate about cooking mostly from scratch recipes that bring comfort, without spending all day in the kitchen. Most recipes on this site can be made in under 30 minutes! This approach to cooking allows me to provide delicious meals for my family while freeing up time to spend with those I love.

    Let's Get Started→

    Popular Recipes

    • Using a whipped cream dispenser to pile whipped cream in a jar.
      Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe for a Dispenser
    • Pulling a serving of casserole from the pan, with chicken dripping off the server.
      Sour Cream Enchilada Casserole
    • Overhead of a bowl of pork green chili on a plate with a lime wedge.
      Colorado Pork Green Chili
    • Pillowy whipped cream in a bowl with a spoon.
      How to Stabilize Whipped Cream with Cream of Tartar
    • Basket of air fryer boneless chicken wings with ranch dip, carrots, and celery.
      Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Wings
    • Stack of 3 no bake peanut butter buckeye bars with a plate of bars in background.
      No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

    Easter Favorites

    • Plate of parsley garnished lamb chops, onr chop has a piece sliced off showing medium-rare center.
      Best Air Fryer Lamb Chops with Garlic & Rosemary
    • Scooping out some mashed potatoes with a wooden spoon, leek, garlic, and gruyere in background.
      Gruyere and Leek Mashed Potatoes
    • Close up of a kale salad with stainless serving tools, topped with shaved parmesan and almonds.
      Kale Crunch Salad (Chick-Fil-A Copycat)
    • A sweet potato roll cut in half, showing the soft inside, and sitting on more rolls in a bread basket.
      2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Rolls
    • Strawberry salad on a plate with a second slice on a plate along with the pan of pretzel salad.
      Strawberry Pretzel Salad Without Cool Whip
    • Side view of 3 mini egg cookies shingled on white parchment with broken candy pieces around, a stack of cookies and a jar of milk in background.
      Soft Mini Egg Cookies (No Chill)
    • Close up of cherry pie with cream cheese filling in a graham cracker crust.
      No-Bake Cherry Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
    • Side angle view of a rich and fudgy brownie square topped with chocolate egg candies and more brownies in background.
      Mini Egg Brownies (One Bowl!)

    As Featured In

    Logos of the various publications where State of Dinner has been featured.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Get Started Here
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

    Accessibility

    • Accessibility Policy

    Let's Work Together

    • Collaboration

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 State of Dinner