Go Back
Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

This baked French toast casserole is rich, custardy, and perfect for slow mornings. I assemble everything the night before, then bake it fresh in the morning for an easy, cozy breakfast that always feels special.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf Challah or brioche bread Cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large Eggs Room temperature
  • 2 cups Half-and-half Or milk + cream combo
  • 1/3 cup Granulated sugar Adjust to taste
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract Pure preferred
  • 1 tsp Ground cinnamon Warm flavor
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg Optional
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Balances sweetness
  • 2 tbsp Butter For greasing dish

Equipment

  • 1 9×13-inch baking dish Glass or ceramic works best
  • 1 Large mixing bowl For custard
  • 1 Whisk Helps eggs blend smoothly
  • 1 Serrated knife Easier bread cutting
  • 1 Cutting board For prep
  • 1 Measuring cups Dry and liquid
  • 1 Measuring spoons Accurate flavor balance
  • 1 Plastic wrap or foil Overnight chilling

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. I generously butter my 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and the edges get extra flavor.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 2:
  1. I spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish without packing them down too tightly.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 3:
  1. In a large bowl, I whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 4:
  1. I slowly pour the custard over the bread, then gently press the cubes down so everything gets soaked.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 5:
  1. I cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight to let the bread absorb all that goodness.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 6:
  1. The next morning, I remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 7:
  1. I preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the casserole uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 8:
  1. I let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. It sets up better and tastes even nicer.
    Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Notes

I always use sturdy bread for this recipe because soft bread can turn mushy. If my bread is very fresh, I cube it and let it sit out for 20 minutes before assembling. For serving, I like maple syrup and fresh berries, but honestly it’s great all on its own too.