Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Welcome back my friend, I’m Shivam, and today I’m sharing my deeply comforting Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe.
A custardy, sweet, warm breakfast casserole that tastes like a bakery treat and feels like home.

Do you love a recipe that’s easy, cozy and perfect for family mornings? Because that’s exactly what I love making here.

Recipe Overview for Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 6–8 hours (overnight)
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: About 9 hours
Servings: 8
Course: Breakfast / Brunch

I always start my mornings slow, so a recipe like this makes life simple. You prepare it at night and bake it next day. Isn’t that peaceful?

History and Origin

I always like to know where my food ideas come from, don’t you think the same? The original inspiration for this baked French toast comes from Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself. She is known for her warm, charming, and elegant home cooking. Instead of flipping slices one by one, she created this idea of soaking bread overnight so the custard reaches deep inside.

I love this technique because it makes the inside soft like pudding and the top golden and crisp. It kind of feels like a mix of dessert and breakfast in one dish.

Equipment Needed

I personally prefer using simple tools so the cooking stays easy. Here’s everything you need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cling wrap
• Oven

Do you already have all these at home?

Ingredients

When I make this Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe, I always choose soft brioche because it gives the best texture.

For the Casserole

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cubed
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Ingredients

Brioche bread
Eggs
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt
All-purpose flour
Cold butter

Step-by-Step Method

I prefer explaining this simply so you never get confused.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Cube the brioche and place it evenly into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Soft breads like brioche or challah absorb better, don’t you think so?

Step 2: Make the Custard

Whisk eggs, milk, cream, both sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Pour this mixture slowly over the bread so every cube gets coated.

Step 3: Overnight Soaking

Cover the dish with cling wrap and refrigerate for 6–8 hours.
This slow resting helps the custard move inside the bread instead of running out.
Don’t you love recipes that work while you sleep?

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and crumble it with your fingers.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Sprinkle the topping evenly on top.
Bake for 45–50 minutes until puffed, golden, and slightly crisp on top.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	410
Carbs	48g
Protein	10g
Fat	20g
Sugar	28g
Fiber	1g

Helpful Recipe Notes

• Overnight soaking gives the casserole the best custard-like texture.
• Brioche or challah works best because they stay soft.
• If you want a softer top, cover with foil for first 25 minutes.
• Make the topping ahead and keep it cold for extra crunch.
• Add fresh berries on top after baking for more flavor.

You may also like:

• Perkins Potato Pancakes Recipe
• Macadamia Nut Chicken Kona Grill Recipe
• Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad Recipe

Conclusion

I always enjoy making this Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe because it brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to my breakfast table. The overnight soak makes mornings peaceful, and the final baked result is golden, soft, and beautifully flavored. If you love simple dishes that feel special, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Try making it once for your family and you’ll see how easily it becomes part of your weekend routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)