Joanna Gaines French Toast Casserole

This Joanna Gaines French Toast Casserole is made with Italian bread, eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. It takes about 35 to 40 minutes to finish cooking and can serve up to 12 people. This French Toast Casserole can be made 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to a month.

Note: This French Toast Casserole recipe is from “Magnolia cookbook collection of recipes for Gathering” by Joanna Gaines, found on page 183 under the name “Overnight French Toast.”

French Toast Casserole Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, cold, plus 1 tablespoon softened salted butter for the baking dish
• One 1-pound loaf of Italian bread cut into 1-inch-thick slices
• 10 large eggs
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 to 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional)
• Pure maple syrup (optional)

How To Make French Toast Casserole

1. Preparation: Grease a 9 x 13 x 3-inch deep baking dish with 1 tablespoon softened butter. Arrange the bread slices in the dish, overlapping them.
2. Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs and whisk in the cream, milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Preheat: Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 375°F. Let the baking dish stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Topping: In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, pecans, flour, and salt. Grate the stick of cold butter on top and blend until crumbly. Sprinkle this over the bread.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes until browned and the inside is set but soft. Cool slightly.
6. Serve: Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. Maple syrup can also be added if desired.

How Long To Bake French Toast Casserole

According to Joanna Gaines’ recipe, you should bake French Toast Casserole in the oven at 375°F for about 35 to 40 minutes. You will know that the French Toast Casserole is done baking when the inside is set but soft and the top is browned.

Why Is My French Toast Casserole Soggy

Your French Toast Casserole may be soggy because the bread hasn’t absorbed the egg mixture fully or it’s undercooked. To fix it, make sure to let the bread soak overnight and ensure it’s fully cooked during baking.

What To Serve With French Toast Casserole

The best sides to serve with French Toast Casserole are fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, yogurt, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and a smoothie.

Can You Make French Toast Casserole 2 Days Ahead

Yes, this French Toast Casserole can be made 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool after baking, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge and reheat it just before serving.

Can You Freeze French Toast Casserole

Yes, you can freeze French Toast Casserole. Make sure it’s fully cooled, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to a month.

How To Reheat French Toast Casserole If It’s Dry

If your French Toast Casserole turns out dry, you can reheat it in the oven while adding a bit of moisture. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly drizzle some milk or cream over the casserole to add moisture. Cover the casserole with foil to trap in the moisture and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until heated through.

Try More Joanna Gaines Recipe:

• Joanna Gaines Cupcake Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Banana Muffins
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread