Sourdough French Toast Casserole

Have you ever had a breakfast so good it felt like a warm hug? That’s exactly what a sourdough French toast casserole is. It’s hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make—perfect for lazy Sundays, holiday mornings, or when you just want to impress your family without spending hours flipping toast on the stovetop.

This isn’t your basic French toast. Instead of frying individual slices, this casserole turns it into a baked dish that’s soft on the inside, golden and slightly crisp on top, and full of warm cinnamon-spiced goodness. Plus, using sourdough bread adds a tangy twist that balances the sweetness beautifully.

What is Sourdough French Toast Casserole?

Think of sourdough French toast casserole as the love child of traditional French toast and bread pudding. It’s made by layering chunks of sourdough bread in a baking dish, soaking them in a rich custard, and baking everything to golden perfection.

The best part? It’s a make-ahead dish. Assemble it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, making it a lifesaver when you’ve got a busy day ahead or guests to entertain. With sourdough bread as the star, this dish has a chewy texture and tangy flavor that sets it apart from French toast made with softer breads.

Why Sourdough Bread is the Perfect Choice

Let’s talk bread—because not all loaves are created equal when it comes to French toast casserole. Here’s why sourdough bread is the MVP:

1. It’s Sturdy: Sourdough bread doesn’t fall apart when soaked in custard. Its chewy texture holds up beautifully during baking.
2. Flavor Matters: The tangy, slightly sour notes in sourdough add depth, balancing the sweetness of maple syrup or powdered sugar.
3. It’s Healthier: Thanks to its fermentation process, sourdough is easier to digest and often lower in sugar than other breads.

Sure, brioche and challah are great, but sourdough brings a flavor profile that makes this casserole feel just a little more gourmet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish keeps it simple with pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you need:

• 1 loaf sourdough bread (about 12 ounces, slightly stale for best results)
• Six large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or a mix of milk and heavy cream for extra richness)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the dish)
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or chopped nuts

How to Make Sourdough French Toast Casserole

This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Prep Your Bread

Cut your sourdough loaf into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry or toast it lightly in the oven. Stale bread absorbs the custard better, giving the casserole a perfect texture.

1. Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is fully combined.

1. Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread the sourdough cubes evenly in the dish. Pour the custard over the bread, pressing it down gently to ensure every piece is soaked.

1. Let It Rest

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. This step allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, making the flavors richer and more cohesive.

1. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Why Overnight French Toast Casserole is a Game-Changer

The overnight French toast casserole method is perfect for busy mornings. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Saves Time: Assemble it the night before, so all you have to do is bake it in the morning.
• Enhanced Flavor: Letting the bread soak overnight ensures the custard fully penetrates every piece.
• Stress-Free Hosting: It’s a make-ahead dish, which means less scrambling in the kitchen when you have guests.

Whether it’s Christmas morning or a regular Sunday, this dish makes mornings feel relaxed and special.

Customizations and Variations

The beauty of this dish is how easily you can make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

1. Add Fresh Fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, or thinly sliced apples can be layered in for extra flavor.
2. Make It Nutty: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunch.
3. Go Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and coconut oil to grease the dish.
4. Seasonal Twist: Add a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired version.

If you’re looking for more ways to add a fruity twist to this casserole, try pairing it with my homemade strawberry puree recipe. It’s tangy and sweet, making it the perfect topping! For those who want something extra decadent, these chocolate chip waffles are a great side dish to round out your brunch table.”

Topping Ideas

Don’t miss out on the toppings! Here’s how to make your casserole truly unforgettable:

• Maple Syrup: A classic favorite for good reason.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Ideal for a creamy, indulgent twist.
• Caramelized Bananas: Fry banana slices in butter and brown sugar for a decadent topping.
• Chopped Nuts: Pecans or almonds add crunch and balance the softness of the bread.

Adding fresh fruit like bananas or berries to your sourdough French toast casserole isn’t just delicious—it’s a healthy choice too. Bananas, for example, are rich in potassium, which supports heart health, and provide natural sweetness without the need for extra sugar. If you’re curious about all the ways bananas can benefit your body, check out this guide on banana health benefits.

Tips for Success

1. Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can get mushy. Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard without falling apart.
2. Press the Bread Down: Once you pour the custard, gently press the bread into the mixture to ensure even soaking.
3. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. You want it golden and set, not dried out.

Want to experiment with other sourdough recipes? My classic French toast with sourdough bread is a stovetop version that’s just as flavorful. And if you love baking with fruits, my moist and delicious pumpkin banana loaf is another breakfast winner you need to try!

FAQs

Does sourdough taste good for French toast?

Absolutely! The tangy flavor of sourdough balances beautifully with the sweetness of French toast toppings like syrup and fruit.

Why is my French toast casserole soggy?

Soggy casseroles happen when the bread is too fresh or the custard-to-bread ratio is off. Use slightly stale bread and avoid over-soaking.

Is sourdough or brioche better for French toast?

It depends on your taste! Sourdough has a tangy, chewy quality, while brioche is soft and buttery. Both work, but sourdough adds a unique depth of flavor.

Can I bake sourdough in a casserole dish?

Yes! Sourdough’s firm texture makes it ideal for custard-based casseroles like this one.

How can I make it healthier?

Swap out some of the sugar for honey or maple syrup, and use almond milk instead of cream.

Conclusion

A sourdough French toast casserole is more than just breakfast—it’s a little slice of comfort that brings people together. With its tangy bread, creamy custard, and endless topping possibilities, this dish is perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or whenever you want to treat yourself.

Grab a loaf of sourdough and try this simple recipe—your family and friends will love it, and they might even come back for seconds. You won’t regret it!