Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

When you’re craving something cozy, sweet, and soul-soothing for breakfast or brunch, there’s nothing quite like a Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole. This rich and satisfying dish is made with soft cubes of bread soaked in a sweet vanilla custard, layered with creamy pockets of cream cheese, and baked to golden perfection.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, prepping breakfast for a crowd, or simply treating yourself to a slow weekend morning, this French toast casserole delivers indulgent flavor with minimal effort. Make it the night before or bake it fresh—either way, it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Make-Ahead Mornings – Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh the next day.

Creamy & Custardy – Pockets of cream cheese add a luscious, cheesecake-like texture.

Crowd-Pleasing – Great for brunches, holidays, or feeding a hungry family.

Customizable – Add berries, cinnamon, or a streusel topping for your own twist.

Easy & Delicious – Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this a no-stress recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 loaf of day-old French bread or brioche, cut into cubes
• 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 the Topping (Optional):

• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Fresh berries or chopped nuts

Tools You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread & Cream Cheese

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half of the bread cubes to the dish. Scatter the cubed cream cheese evenly over the bread, then top with the remaining bread cubes.

Step 2: Make the Custard

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

Step 3: Pour & Soak

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and cream cheese, pressing down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak it up. Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

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

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!

Tips for the Best French Toast Casserole

• Use Day-Old Bread – Slightly stale bread holds up better and soaks in the custard without getting soggy.
• Chill Overnight – Letting it sit overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
• Cream Cheese Tip – Soften the cream cheese slightly before cubing for easier layering.
• Customize It – Add blueberries, apple slices, or a cinnamon streusel on top for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Brunch Star – Serve with mimosas, fruit salad, and coffee for a full spread.
• Easy Weekend Treat – Make it for slow Sunday mornings or breakfast-for-dinner.
• Dessert-Style – Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a sweet twist.
• Kid-Friendly – Serve with banana slices or chocolate chips for a fun treat.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or rewarm the whole casserole in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without cream cheese?
Yes! It will still be delicious—just more like classic baked French toast.

Can I use a different type of bread?
Definitely. Brioche, challah, or even cinnamon swirl bread work beautifully.

Can I freeze it?
Yes! Assemble, freeze before baking, and thaw overnight in the fridge. Then bake as directed.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based milk, dairy-free cream cheese, and coconut cream or oat milk in place of heavy cream.

Quick Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Baking Time: 50–55 minutes
Cuisine: American

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