
Hey, Welcome to the Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe. Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole is a warm, rich, custard-soaked breakfast dish that tastes like soft bread pudding.
If you’ve ever had a comforting brunch casserole during the holidays, you already know how cozy and indulgent every bite feels.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this comforting recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Cuisine: American
Category: Breakfast / Brunch
History and Origin
Baked French toast casserole evolved as a modern American brunch staple inspired by classic French toast.
Instead of cooking slices individually, bakers began layering bread with a custard mixture to serve larger crowds easily and efficiently.
What does Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole taste like?
This casserole tastes sweet, creamy, and buttery. The interior is soft like bread pudding, while the top becomes lightly golden and crisp.
The cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla blend beautifully, giving every bite a cozy, homemade flavor perfect for holidays or weekend brunch.
By the way, you can also try the Triple Delight Chinese Food Recipe.
Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brioche or challah bread | 1 loaf (about 1 pound), cubed |
| Large eggs | 8 |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Sugar | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Powdered sugar (for topping) | As needed |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
How to Make Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the bread
Add cubed brioche or challah to a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly so every piece can soak up the custard later.
Step 2: Mix the custard
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Step 3: Pour and soak
Pour custard evenly over the bread. Lightly press the bread so all the cubes absorb the mixture. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil, drizzle melted butter, and bake 15 more minutes until golden.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with maple syrup after dusting with powdered sugar.
Recipe Card

Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add cubed brioche or challah to a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly so every piece can soak up the custard later.

- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.

- Pour custard evenly over the bread. Lightly press the bread so all the cubes absorb the mixture. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes or overnight in the fridge.

- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil, drizzle melted butter, and bake 15 more minutes until golden.

- Serve warm with maple syrup after dusting with powdered sugar.

Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 335 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 21 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and powdered sugar. You can also pair it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or breakfast sausages. It is perfect for brunch gatherings and weekend family breakfasts.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes until heated through.
Variations You Can Try
If you love customizing recipes, you will enjoy experimenting with new flavors. Add fruit like blueberries or apples, sprinkle chocolate chips, or make a nutty topping with pecans.
Every variation gives this casserole a unique twist while keeping its cozy brunch appeal.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe works because brioche or challah absorbs the custard perfectly without getting soggy.
The overnight rest allows flavors to deepen. When baked, it forms a golden crust on top and stays creamy inside, creating the ultimate comforting breakfast experience.
Make-Ahead Instructions
If you are hosting family or brunch guests, this recipe makes planning easy. You can assemble everything the night before, refrigerate it, then bake in the morning.
No rushing in the kitchen, and the casserole comes out warm, fluffy, and perfectly set.
Tips To Prevent Soggy French Toast Casserole
Use slightly stale bread so it absorbs the custard without collapsing. Avoid pouring too much liquid in one place.
Let it rest at least 15 minutes or overnight. These small steps guarantee a casserole that stays fluffy instead of soggy.
Serving This For Holidays Or Brunch Parties
This Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe feeds a crowd with ease, making it perfect for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or weekend gatherings.
It frees you from standing at the stove flipping toast. Instead, you serve one warm dish that everyone can enjoy together.
Best Toppings For Extra Flavor
Enhance each serving with toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, toasted nuts, caramel drizzle, or fresh strawberries.
These options add color, sweetness, and texture, making each plate look like a restaurant-style brunch.
Troubleshooting: What If The Top Browns Too Fast?
If the casserole browns too quickly, just cover it loosely with foil while baking. This protects the top while allowing the inside to continue cooking evenly.
Remove the foil near the end so the top becomes perfectly golden and crisp.
Conclusion
This Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe is a comforting breakfast that brings everyone together at the table. It is simple, delicious, and great for weekends and holidays. Try it once and you will crave it often.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate it overnight to bake the next morning.
Can I use regular bread instead of brioche?
Yes, but brioche or challah gives the best soft and rich texture.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, freeze it after baking. Thaw overnight, then reheat in the oven.
What toppings can I add?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or maple syrup.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, feel free to adjust based on your preference.
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