If you're looking for the ultimate cosy breakfast that's easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this French Toast Casserole is a recipe you'll come back to again and again. Made with simple pantry staples and stale bread that might otherwise go to waste, it's the perfect make-ahead breakfast for weekends, brunches, holidays or lazy Sunday mornings.

Golden and lightly crisp on top with a soft, custardy centre, this baked French toast is delicious as is, but it's also incredibly versatile. Add your favourite fruits, nuts or chocolate to make it your own, and if you're looking to boost the nutritional value, there are plenty of easy ways to increase the magnesium content too.

Why You'll Love This French Toast Casserole

• Uses up stale bread and reduces food waste.

• Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.

• Perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

• Customisable with endless flavour combinations.

• Can be made more nutrient-dense with magnesium-rich ingredients.

Ingredients

• 8 slices stale white bread, cut into chunks or triangles

• 3 eggs

• 1½ cups milk

• 1 cup thickened cream

• 3 tbsp (40g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• ½ cup white sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

Make this recipe your own by stirring any of the following through the egg mixture before baking:

• Chocolate chips

• Sliced banana

• Fresh strawberries

• Blueberries

• Raspberries

• Apple slices

• Mixed berries

How to Make French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Prepare the Custard

In a large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add the milk, thickened cream, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Add the bread pieces to the custard mixture and gently stir until evenly coated. Allow the bread to soak for around 3 minutes, giving it time to absorb the custard.

Step 4: Assemble

Pour the mixture into a 2.5-litre (10-cup) baking dish, spreading the bread evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top before baking for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the centre is set with just a slight wobble.

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Add More Magnesium

If you'd like to increase the magnesium content of your breakfast, simply mix in a handful of chopped nuts before baking.

Great options include:

• Chopped almonds

• Pecans

• Walnuts

Not only do they provide magnesium, but they also add a delicious crunch and rich, nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with the soft baked custard.

You can also serve your French Toast Casserole with a dollop of Greek yoghurt, fresh berries and an extra sprinkle of chopped nuts for a nourishing breakfast that's both satisfying and comforting.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is delicious served warm with:

• Maple syrup

• Fresh berries

• Greek yoghurt

• A dusting of icing sugar

• A sprinkle of cinnamon

• Extra chopped nuts for crunch

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven until heated through.