French Toast Casserole is always a fan favorite around our house, especially for those who wake up with a bit of a sweet tooth (ahem, me!) and want something a little more filling than a doughnut. This recipe combines beautiful layers of soft French bread, tart apples, creamy caramel with a hint of cinnamon spice that ties the whole thing together. We love serving this on crisp Fall weekend mornings as part of a lazy brunch. The best part is you can make it the night before, so all the work is done ahead of time. Even the cook needs to sleep in occasionally, right? Enjoy!
Ingredients for French Toast with Apples
This overnight french toast casserole is a family favorite! Most these ingredients are pantry staples and ready for any special morning. Get ready to dig your fork into the best breakfast!
French bread – Cut into large slices. The thicker the better! Eggs – Whisk together large eggs. Milk – I used 2% dairy milk for a creamy consistency. Sugar – Sweetness added into the egg mixture. Vanilla – Add an extra flavor with this vanilla extract! Apples – Peel, core, and slice the apples before serving. Tart apples have the best taste. Brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg – In a medium bowl stir together and cover apples with mixture. Caramel topping – Top with the very best sweet and savory sauce that is a perfect combination!
What Apples Taste Best in this Recipe?
For this batch of caramel apple french toast casserole recipe we got some honey crisp apples from a local orchard. Perfectly crisp, just the right amount of tart flavor! This dish tastes best with a tart and crisp apple. Steer clear of really sweet and soft apples like a red delicious; it will not taste as good and get too mushy. Other apples that work best are:
Granny SmithBraeburnGalaPink LadyHoney Crisp
Tips, Substitutions, and Variations for Breakfast Casserole
Baked french toast casserole is always a holiday favorite! Christmas morning is the best with a special breakfast that everyone will love. Enjoy this easy casserole that you can make variations for what is best for your family!
Bread – Change up the bread to a challah bread, sourdough bread, or bread cubes. Each of these bread ideas will add different flavor and texture to the casserole. Dairy-free – Make this dairy free with almond milk instead of milk. Seasoning – Use pumpkin pie seasoning or only cinnamon. Caramel – Make it light with orange zest or enjoy maple syrup and butter on top for a traditional french toast.Toppings – Instead of apples, try fresh berries, coconut, or even candied nuts, like pecans or walnuts.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Toast
Make it the Night Before
I love this recipe because it is so great for company or brunch dates. You can whip up everything the night before, place it in a baking dish with cooking spray. Cover with plastic wrap or foil. No freezing, only use the refrigerator overnight, then bake in the oven the next morning. The smells of the caramel and apples fill your house while it bakes. And the best part of all, is the amazing flavor! The french toast is moist and delicious, never dry. And then the apples bake to perfection with a coating of cinnamon and sugar, and then you top that all off with a sweet caramel drizzle. Everyone always goes crazy for this french toast whenever I make it and demands the recipe! READ NEXT: 33+ Super Easy Breakfast Ideas
More French Toast Recipes
If apples aren’t your thing we have a few other amazing overnight french toast recipes that you will be sure to love! I love them all, and make different ones depending on the time of year.
Strawberry and Cream Cheese French Toast
Eggnog French Toast with Gingerbread Syrup
Hawaiian French Toast
Baked Monte Cristo French Toast
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