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French Toast Casserole Recipe with Greek Yogurt and Caramelized Topping Recipe

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4.1 from 1 review

This French Toast Casserole is a rich, custardy breakfast dish perfect for make-ahead holiday brunches or same-day serving. Cubed bread is soaked in a creamy mixture of Greek yogurt, milk, eggs, and warm spices, then baked to a golden perfection with a buttery brown sugar topping. Ideal for eight servings, it’s easy and versatile, with options for overnight soaking or quick 15-30 minute preparation.

Ingredients

Custard Mixture

  • 1½ cups Greek yogurt (240 g)
  • ½ cup milk (118 ml)
  • 6 large eggs
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (55 g)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 sourdough, French, or challah bread loaf (about pounds or 16 slices), cut into 1-inch cubes

Topping

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, milk, eggs, light brown sugar, vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Arrange the cubed bread in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently so the bread soaks up the liquid thoroughly.
  4. Soak the Bread: For best results, if preparing ahead, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. Otherwise, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to enable the bread to absorb the custard mixture evenly. This step helps the custard set uniformly during baking.
  5. Add the Topping: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the soaked bread and sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar on top to create a sweet, caramelized crust.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is slightly puffy.
  7. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the custard is just set and the top is lightly golden brown.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. It pairs beautifully with pure maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use day-old bread if possible, as it soaks up the custard better without becoming overly mushy. If using fresh bread, cube it and let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly.
  • Serving suggestions include drizzling with pure maple syrup, dusting with powdered sugar, or adding fresh berries for brightness and color.
  • Greek yogurt can be whole or 2% fat for the best texture; fat-free options may separate during baking.
  • Milk options: whole or 2% milk are recommended, but any type of milk will work.