Golden French Toast Casserole with Maple Glaze

Ever find yourself staring at a half-empty loaf of bread on a Saturday morning, wondering how to turn it into something special for the whole crew without standing over the stove for an hour? Well, honey, that’s where this Golden French Toast Casserole with Maple Glaze comes in. It’s your favorite weekend breakfast treat, all baked up in one dish. We take day-old bread, soak it in a rich, custardy mixture, and bake it until it’s golden and puffed. Then, we finish it with a simple, homemade maple glaze that takes it right over the top. It’s the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that feels indulgent but is honestly so simple to pull together.

Why You’ll Love This Golden French Toast Casserole

You’re going to adore this recipe because it solves so many problems at once. First, it’s a lifesaver for feeding a crowd. No more flipping slices one by one while everyone else eats! You just pop it in the oven and it comes out perfect every time. And the flavor? So good. The inside gets so, so tender, almost like a bread pudding, while the top crisps up just right. Plus, you can assemble the whole thing the night before. That means more time for coffee and less time for fussing on a busy morning. It’s a total win.

Ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) loaf French or Italian bread, preferably day-old: The sturdy texture holds up to the custard without getting mushy.
• 8 large eggs: The base of our rich custard that binds everything together.
• 2 cups whole milk: For a creamy, luxurious texture. 2% will work in a pinch!
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds an extra layer of richness to the custard.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard base perfectly.
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses warmth.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A must for that classic French toast flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The essential warm spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a lovely, aromatic depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: For brushing the baking dish and drizzling over the top for a crispy finish.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for our simple, sweet glaze.
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup: For that authentic, unmistakable maple flavor.
• 1-2 tablespoons milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect drizzling consistency.

Step by Step Method

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with about a tablespoon of the melted butter.
2. Tear the bread into 1 to 2-inch chunks and place them in the prepared baking dish. Spread them out into a somewhat even layer.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously until they are well beaten and smooth. This is key for a silky custard!
4. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the eggs. Whisk until everything is completely combined and the sugars have dissolved.
5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread chunks in the dish. Gently press down on the bread with a spatula or the back of a spoon to help it soak up all that delicious liquid.
6. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This waiting time is non-negotiable for the best texture!
7. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Remove the casserole from the fridge and discard the plastic wrap. Drizzle the remaining melted butter evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a deep golden brown and the center is set (see our doneness test below!).
10. While the casserole bakes, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add the second tablespoon of milk only if needed to reach a thick but drizzle-able consistency.
11. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes after pulling it from the oven. Then, drizzle the maple glaze all over the top. Slice, serve, and enjoy immediately!

Equipment Needed for This Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy here, just standard kitchen workhorses. A 9×13-inch baking dish is essential. You’ll also need a large mixing bowl, a good whisk for making the custard smooth, and measuring cups and spoons. That’s really it!

Creative Variations for Your Casserole

This recipe is a wonderful blank canvas. For a fall twist, add a cup of peeled and diced apple or pear to the bread chunks before adding the custard. A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the top before baking adds a fantastic crunch. If you’re a chocolate lover, honestly, you can’t go wrong by stirring in a cup of chocolate chips. And for a savory breakfast option, you could omit the sugars and cinnamon, add a pinch of black pepper and some dried herbs, and use a hearty whole-grain bread. Then top it with shredded cheese and serve it with a side of scrambled eggs!

Leftovers & Reheating Tips

Leftovers will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the microwave is quick for a single portion (about 60 seconds on high), but the oven or toaster oven is best for restoring that crisp top. Place portions on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. I don’t recommend freezing the assembled baked casserole with the glaze, as the texture can become watery upon thawing.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This casserole is a star at any breakfast buffet. It’s rich enough to stand on its own, but it also plays well with others. For a full spread, pair it with crispy smoked turkey bacon or sausage links, some fresh fruit salad, and a pot of strong coffee. If you’re looking for healthy breakfast recipes to round out the meal, a simple veggie frittata or a bowl of Greek yogurt with berries would be perfect alongside it.

Doneness Test for Perfectly Cooked Casserole

The best way to know your Golden French Toast Casserole is done is to gently jiggle the baking dish. The edges should be firm and set, and the center should have just the slightest jiggle—not a sloshy wave. You can also insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean. If the top is getting too brown but the center is still too wet, just lay a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the top for the remainder of the baking time.

FAQs About Golden French Toast Casserole

• Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! Brioche or challah will make it extra rich and decadent. For healthier breakfast ideas, a whole wheat or multigrain loaf works great, just make sure it’s a sturdy bread so it doesn’t fall apart.
• Do I have to let it soak overnight? You really should for the best results. That long soak is what gives you that incredibly tender, pudding-like interior. If you’re in a serious pinch, a minimum of 4 hours will work, but overnight is always my preference.
• Can I make this dairy-free? Sure can! Use your favorite unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of the milk and cream. For the butter, a neutral oil like avocado oil or a dairy-free butter alternative will work just fine.
• Is this one of those quick breakfast ideas? The hands-on time is quick, but because it needs to bake, it’s more of a planned weekend or special occasion meal. For truly quick breakfast ideas on a weekday, I’d point you toward smoothies or overnight oats.