Overnight French Toast Casserole
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When I want a relaxed morning but still want to serve something my whole family gets excited about, this overnight French toast casserole is my first choice. I can assemble everything the night before, giving me more time to enjoy breakfast with the kids instead of rushing around the kitchen.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s a gluten free French toast, but with all of the great flavors of a traditional French toast recipe. Plus, there’s no standing at the stove flipping slice after slice!
Everything bakes together in one pan, leaving me free to pour coffee, set the table, or finish getting everyone ready for the day.
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
This overnight French toast casserole is a wonderful option for holidays, weekend brunches, and overnight guests because it feeds several people with very little hands-on work. It comes out of the oven warm, golden, and ready to serve all at once.
It’s also the perfect make ahead breakfast when you want something homemade without spending the entire morning cooking. Let everyone finish their serving with some warm maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced almonds, or their favorite toppings.
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making this recipe! I’ve made this countless times to save you from a failed attempt.
- Cut the bread into similar-sized pieces. This helps the casserole bake evenly.
- Press the bread gently into the custard before chilling. It helps each piece absorb the liquid for the best texture.
- Bake the casserole on the center oven rack. This encourages even cooking from top to bottom.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. It will slice more cleanly once the custard has finished setting.
Ingredients
Add these ingredients to your shopping list now so that you don’t forget!
Gluten-free bread: Day-old bread works best because it holds its shape after soaking up the custard. If your bread is fresh, let it dry slightly before assembling the casserole. Regular bread works just as well if you don’t need the recipe to be gluten free.
Almond milk and coconut milk: Together they create a rich, creamy custard. Feel free to substitute your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk.
Brown sugar: Light and dark brown sugar both work well. Dark brown sugar adds a slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Butter: Dairy-free butter or ghee are both great substitutes if needed.
Vanilla extract: Vanilla bean paste can be used instead for an even richer vanilla flavor.
Optional toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds all make delicious finishing touches.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
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- Add the eggs, almond milk, coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and melted butter to a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk the mixture well, until the custard is smooth and fully combined. If the coconut milk looks a little lumpy, that’s perfectly fine. It will melt as the casserole bakes.
Helpful Tip
If your coconut milk has separated in the can, give it a quick whisk before adding it to the custard. I find it blends much more smoothly and keeps the custard nice and creamy.
- Add the bread to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the custard over the top. Gently press the bread into the liquid, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Bake until lightly golden and the center is set. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve with fresh berries, sliced almonds, and maple syrup.
How to Meal Prep Overnight French Toast Casserole
To prep ahead
I like to assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator until morning. Then all I have to do in the morning is bake it.
To freeze
Once the casserole has cooled completely, wrap individual portions, or transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover overnight French toast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. For larger portions, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also reheat individual servings in a 350°F air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through.
French Toast Casserole Recipe FAQs
Yes. An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish will work for a smaller batch, though the casserole may need a slightly different baking time. A deeper casserole may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
Absolutely. Divide the bread and custard between greased ramekins or oven-safe dishes. Since the portions are smaller, they'll bake more quickly than a full casserole.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve overnight French toast casserole with strips of crispy air fryer turkey bacon or air fryer bacon for a savory side.
Add a bowl of fresh fruit, fruit salad, or a pair it with a creamy mango smoothie!
If you're putting together a larger brunch spread, make some air fryer hard boiled eggs to serve along with the French toast bake.
After you make it, please leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how it went!
Overnight French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
French Toast
- 1 loaf gluten free bread about 1 pound, cut into cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 1.5 cups almond milk
- 1.5 cups coconut milk
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1.5 teaspoons nutmeg
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
Toppings, optional
- fresh berries
- powdered sugar
- sliced almonds
Instructions
- Add 8 large eggs, 1.5 cups almond milk, 1.5 cups coconut milk, 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1.5 tablespoons cinnamon, 1.5 teaspoons nutmeg, ⅔ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup melted butter to a large mixing bowl. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth.
- Cut or tear the 1 loaf gluten free bread into bite-sized pieces. Lightly spray the 9×13 casserole dish with oil. Add the cut bread to the casserole dish and pour the egg mixture over the bread. Use a spatula to gently turn the bread, then lightly press the bread down to ensure all the pieces of bread soak in the batter.Cover the baking dish and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Once the oven is preheated, set the casserole dish on the middle rack, uncovered, and bake for 50 minutes.Remove the casserole dish from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh berries and sliced almonds. Serve with maple syrup.
Equipment
- 9x13 baking dish
Notes
- For best taste and texture, use stale, day-old bread.
- Refrigerate the casserole for at least 2 hours before baking to allow the bread to fully absorb the batter.
- Easily make this recipe dairy free by using ghee or vegan butter in place of the butter.
- To test if it’s done and cooked through, gently check to make sure there’s no runny liquid in the very center of the casserole.
- To store leftovers: Cut the cooled casserole into individual servings and transfer them to an airtight bag or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, per USDA.
Nutrition
2026 Update: This recipe is still a favorite of ours! It's been updated to simplify the cooking instructions and include extra cooking tips. We hope you love it as much as we do!
I haven’t had a french toast casserole since going GF, but this looks great!
I hope you get to try it soon—it’s so nice to enjoy french toast casserole again when you’re GF! Let me know how it turns out if you make it!