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Cozy, comforting baked challah french toast is super simple to make but will wow at your next brunch!
There’s nothing better than an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for brunch like this baked challah french toast casserole. With only a handful of ingredients, and minimal prep, you can have this decadent dish on the table in under an hour.
Everyone loves french toast, but it isn’t always the easiest to whip up for a group. Instead, combining the torn bread, eggs, sugar, milk and cream in a casserole means everyone can sit down to warm slices of baked french toast drizzled with maple syrup at the same time.
This recipe is also very versatile and adaptable. I love the unexpected flavor and kick of spiced rum, but feel free to play around with different flavors. A glug of irish cream is delicious for a holiday breakfast, orange juice or liqueor gives that pop of citrus, or simply use vanilla extract for a more classic version.
Let’s make baked challah french toast
- Tear up a loaf of challah bread and scatter it in a baking dish.
- Whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, cream, rum and spices.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, pressing lightly to soak.
- Bake until puffed and golden brown.
Tips for success
- Spiced rum gives this french toast casserole a kick, but orange liqueur, vanilla extract, or even orange juice would be a tasty swap.
- Making ahead? Let the challah to soak in the egg mixture overnight (covered) in the refrigerator and bake the next morning. Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for about 30 mins before baking.
- No need to use a knife to cube the challah bread, simply tear it into pieces and scatter in the baking dish.
- After pouring the egg mixture over the challah, lightly press down on it to be sure all of the bread is soaked.
More tasty brunch ideas
- Brioche French Toast
- Blueberry and Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast
- Fluffy Japanese Pancakes
- Sheet Pan Quiche Lorraine
- Ham anad Cheddar Crustless Quiche
Cozy, comforting baked challah french toast is super simple to make but will wow at your next brunch!
- 1 lb challah bread, torn into 1 inch pieces (1 large loaf)
- 8 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup sugar (+ 1 Tbsp sugar for topping)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1/4 cup spiced rum (orange liqueur or 2 tsp vanilla extract can be substituted)
- confectioners sugar, fresh berries and maple syrup for topping (optional)
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and generously grease a 9×13 baking dish.
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Tear the challah into 1 inch cubes and scatter in the baking dish.
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Whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, cream, salt, nutmeg and spiced rum.
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Pour the mixture over the challah, pressing lightly to soak.
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Fluff with a fork and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp sugar. Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes until set, puffed and golden brown.
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Serve warm, sprinkled with confectioners sugar, berries and maple syrup if desired.
Tammie Pitts says
I made this once already and it was ridiculously delicious! Best baked French toast recipe ever. I used a local bourbon cream and almond milk. Making it again tomorrow and I plan on adding pecans.
Micki s says
Made this for New years day brunch. While it was good, it lacked flavor. Will make again but next time will up the spices and add some cinnamon
Judi says
Loved this recipe! Easy t make the night before baking. I used orange liquor and rum alone with fresh ground nutmeg and cinnamon.
Cathy Roma says
So happy you enjoyed! I always love a make-ahead meal, especially for breakfast.