Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

When you’re craving something sweet, warm, and utterly comforting, there’s nothing quite like Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole. This indulgent yet simple dish is a beloved breakfast and brunch favorite that feels like a hug in casserole form. Soft, custardy bread soaked in vanilla-spiced cream, layered with rich cream cheese, and baked until golden—it’s the kind of dish that makes any morning feel special.

This version brings the classic French toast to a cozy new level, with pockets of melty cream cheese and a cinnamon-kissed custard that bakes into a tender, golden perfection. Whether you’re serving a weekend crowd or prepping breakfast for a holiday morning, this casserole is a delicious make-ahead wonder.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the night before, then just bake and enjoy in the morning.

Rich & Creamy – With soft, custard-soaked bread and luscious cream cheese, each bite is sweet and dreamy.

Perfect for Any Morning – Whether for brunch, holidays, or a special weekend treat, this dish feels like celebration.

Easy to Customize – Add fruit, streusel, or maple syrup to suit your mood or the season.

Beginner-Friendly – No flipping, no fuss—just layer, soak, and bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cubed
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 6 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries or nuts

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Foil
• Spatula or serving spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Lightly grease your baking dish. Add half the bread cubes, then scatter the cubed cream cheese evenly across. Top with the remaining bread.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and press down lightly so the bread absorbs the liquid. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup, fruit, or your favorite toppings.

Tips for Perfect French Toast Casserole

Use Sturdy Bread – Day-old bread like brioche, challah, or French bread holds up best to the custard.

Let It Soak – The longer the bread soaks, the more flavorful and tender the result.

Softened Cream Cheese – Let the cream cheese soften before cubing so it melts evenly while baking.

Make It Your Own – Add a streusel topping, swirl in jam, or fold in berries before baking.

Serving Suggestions

For Brunch or Holidays – Serve with sausage, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit for a full spread.

With Coffee or Tea – A cozy breakfast for one or two with your favorite warm drink.

As a Sweet Snack – Enjoy leftovers chilled or reheated with a dollop of whipped cream.

Dessert-Style – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a bread pudding-style treat.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Let the casserole cool, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish, covered with foil, at 325°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes—skip it for a more traditional baked French toast casserole.

Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Can I use non-dairy ingredients?
Yes—use dairy-free milk and cream cheese alternatives if needed.

Can I add fruit?
Of course! Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced apples are delicious additions.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes or overnight
Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
Cuisine: American

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