Ina Garten Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Imagine waking up to the sweet, buttery aroma of baked French toast wafting from your oven. The taste is just as delightful, with a crispy, golden-brown crust giving way to a fluffy, custard-like interior. Each bite is a masterclass in texture and flavor, with the sweetness of the bread and the richness of the eggs balanced to perfection.

So why do we love this recipe so much? For one, it’s an easy and impressive breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for special occasions. And unlike other French toast recipes, this one is designed to be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy mornings. If you’re looking for more make-ahead breakfast ideas, be sure to check out our Ultimate Easy Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole Recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

• The key to a great baked French toast is to use high-quality bread that’s sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture. Challah or brioche work beautifully, and the day-old bread is perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
• By making the recipe ahead of time, the bread has a chance to absorb all the flavors of the egg mixture, resulting in a dish that’s moist and flavorful.
• The combination of granulated and brown sugar adds a richness and depth to the dish that’s hard to resist.

Key Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need some high-quality ingredients, including day-old Challah or brioche bread, farm-fresh eggs, and real maple syrup. If you’re looking for more recipe inspiration, be sure to check out Ina Garten’s website, which is full of delicious ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

When it comes to the bread, look for a dense, eggy bread that’s sturdy enough to hold up to the egg mixture. Challah or brioche work beautifully, and the day-old bread is perfect for soaking up all the flavors.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Ina Garten Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 loaves Challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.

2

Add the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3

Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the egg mixture.

4

Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.

5

Bake the French toast for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating

This baked French toast casserole is best served fresh, but it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.