Looking for the perfect breakfast casserole that you can prepare the night before? This make ahead French toast breakfast casserole transforms ordinary bread into an extraordinary morning treat, complete with a decadent praline topping that makes it feel extra special.

Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast, hosting weekend guests, or just want to make your morning routine easier, this overnight French toast bake is the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Make Ahead French Toast Casserole

This French toast bake combines the classic flavors of traditional French toast with the convenience of a make-ahead breakfast casserole. The praline topping adds a delightful crunch and sweet, nutty flavor that elevates it beyond ordinary French toast. Best of all, you can prepare it the night before, making your morning routine effortless.

Ingredients for French Toast Bake Casserole

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 loaf day-old bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices (French bread, brioche, or sourdough work best)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Praline Topping:

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (raw sugar works great)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

How to Make French Toast Casserole Ahead of Time

Start with the Praline Base:

• Combine melted butter and brown sugar
• Spread mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish
• Sprinkle with half of the chopped pecans

Layer the Bread:

• Arrange bread slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly
• Make sure to cover the entire dish

Prepare the Custard:

• Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon
• Pour mixture evenly over the bread
• Press bread down gently to ensure it soaks up the custard

Add Final Topping:

• Sprinkle remaining pecans over the top
• Add an extra dusting of cinnamon if desired
• Refrigerate:
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap
• Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours)

Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Remove casserole from refrigerator while oven preheats
• Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly
• Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving

Pro Tips for the Perfect Make Ahead French Toast Casserole

1. Bread Choice Matters: Use day-old bread for best results. The slightly dried-out texture helps the bread absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.
2. Don’t Skip the Soak: Allow at least 4 hours for the bread to soak up the custard mixture. Overnight is ideal for the best texture and flavor development.
3. Room Temperature Baking: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator while your oven preheats. This helps ensure even baking.
4. Customize Your Praline: Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds in the praline topping, or add a touch of maple extract for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover French toast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
• For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Make Ahead French Toast Casserole FAQs

Can I freeze this French toast casserole?

Yes! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What’s the best bread to use?

We love a hearty sourdough, but french bread, brioche, challah, all work best. The key is using slightly stale bread that will hold up to the custard mixture.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy?

Use slightly stale bread and ensure your custard mixture isn’t too heavy to prevent it from being too soggy. You want the bread to absorb the liquid without becoming overly mushy.

Can I make this without nuts?

Absolutely! You can skip the pecans and still enjoy a delicious caramelized sugar topping.

How do I know when it’s done?

The casserole should be golden brown on top and slightly puffy. Insert a knife in the center – it should come out clean without liquid custard.

This make ahead baked French toast casserole with praline topping is perfect for holiday mornings, special brunches, or any time you want to make breakfast extra special without the morning stress. The combination of custardy French toast and crunchy praline topping creates an irresistible breakfast that your family and guests will request again and again.

Looking for more yummy breakfast recipes? Try these!

Bacon Wrapped Egg, Spinach, & Cheese Muffins (freeze very well!)

Eggy Breakfast Muffins (these also freeze very well!)

15 Slow Cooker Breakfast Ideas to Simplify Busy Mornings

Green Smoothies for the Freezer

Here’s the printable recipe for this delicious French Toast Breakfast Casserole