Easy Italian Bread French Toast Casserole Recipe

This crispy, custardy Italian Bread French Toast Casserole is made with thick cubed bread, rich egg custard, and a sweet brown sugar topping, ready in 1 hour 15 minutes. The edges crisp up perfectly in the oven while the center stays soft and pillowy like bread pudding. I love serving this on relaxed weekend mornings when feeding a crowd.

Why This Classic Works

Using sturdy Italian bread instead of standard white bread completely changes the texture of baked french toast. The crust holds its shape beautifully without turning to mush in the rich egg custard.

I used to struggle with soggy casseroles until I learned to let the bread dry out completely first. Leaving the torn cubes on the counter overnight is the best way to guarantee a perfect bake.

Italian Bread French Toast Casserole Ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian bread (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

How To Make Italian Bread French Toast Casserole

1. Prepare The Bread: Cut the Italian bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Mix The Custard: Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
3. Pour And Soak: Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently so all the bread absorbs the liquid.
4. Add The Topping: Whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together, then drizzle evenly over the soaked bread.
5. Bake The Casserole: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.

Recipe Tips

• Use stale bread: Fresh bread will absorb too much liquid and become soggy during baking.
• Let it soak: Giving the casserole at least 30 minutes to sit before baking ensures a fluffy interior.
• Check the center: Insert a knife into the middle to ensure the custard is fully cooked before removing from the oven.

What To Serve With French Toast Casserole

Serve this hearty breakfast bake with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad with berries and mint also adds a bright, refreshing contrast.

How To Store

Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or place the whole dish back in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and let it soak in the fridge overnight before baking.

Do I need to peel the bread?

No, the crust of Italian bread adds wonderful texture and structure to the final dish.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for up to 2 months and reheat them in the toaster oven.

Nutrition

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
• Protein: 11 g

Try More Recipes:

• Easy Cheesy Italian Monkey Bread Recipe
• Italian Sweet Bread Recipe
• No Knead Italian Bread

Italian Bread French Toast Casserole

Recipe by Paula

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Italian Bread French Toast Casserole features crispy edges and a custardy center, made with thick Italian bread, eggs, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes, this simple bake is a wonderful choice for weekend family breakfasts.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf Italian bread (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes

• 8 large eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

Directions

• Prepare The Bread: Cut the Italian bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Mix The Custard: Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
• Pour And Soak: Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently so all the bread absorbs the liquid.
• Add The Topping: Whisk the melted butter and brown sugar together, then drizzle evenly over the soaked bread.
• Bake The Casserole: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.