Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

Morning brunch just got much easier with this Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe.

A French toast bake is always easier than dipping and cooking individual slices of French toast. You save time and get better results.

Barefoot Contessa is primarily known as the title of Ina Garten’s popular cooking show on the Food Network, which aired from 2002 to 2021. People love this recipe for brunch because it’s easy and really yummy.

My copycat recipe features the same Barefoot Contessa-style baked French toast casserole, inspired by her flavorful, approachable cooking style.

This copycat recipe produces a creamy, custardy center with a golden, crunch-topped finish. The bread soaks up all the flavors overnight, and in the morning you simply pop it in the oven – no stress, no mess, just a dish everyone loves.

What Does Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Taste Like

Let me tell you what you can expect when you take that first bite:

1. Creamy custard flavor – The egg and milk mixture creates a soft, rich base that melts in your mouth. Each piece of bread soaks up this smooth blend.

2. Warm cinnamon notes – Cinnamon brings a cozy, sweet spice that fills your kitchen as it bakes. The aroma alone makes you hungry.

3. Sweet caramel hints – Brown sugar melts into the bread and creates a gentle caramel sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.

4. Buttery richness – The butter on top adds a smooth, golden finish that makes every bite feel special and comforting.

5. Crispy-soft contrast – The top layer gets crispy and sweet, while the middle stays soft and custardy. This texture mix makes each forkful interesting.

Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Ingredients

• 2 pcs Eggs: Eggs give the casserole a smooth base. They help the bread set as it bakes and add a soft, creamy feel. Large eggs work best. A plant-based swap can be a blend of milk and mashed banana, though the texture will be softer.
• 1/2 tbsp Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings a warm, deep sweetness. It melts into the bread and makes a light caramel note. White sugar can work too, though the flavor will be lighter and softer.
• pinch Sea Salt: A small pinch of sea salt helps balance the sweetness. It also sharpens the taste of the spices. Table salt works fine as a swap.
• 1/3 cup Milk: Milk makes the mixture smooth and gentle. Whole milk gives the richest feel, but low-fat milk also works. A dairy-free option can be oat milk or almond milk.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a soft, sweet smell that blends well with cinnamon. Almond extract can be used, though the flavor will be stronger.
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon Powder: Cinnamon brings warmth and a cozy aroma. It gives the dish a classic breakfast feel. Nutmeg or pumpkin spice may be used in small amounts for a different flavor.
• 6 slices Bread: Bread gives the casserole its shape. Soft slices soak up the egg mix fast. Thick bread like brioche or challah makes a richer bite. Gluten-free bread can be used, though the pieces may be lighter and softer.
• 1 tbsp Extra Brown Sugar (for topping): The topping adds a sweet crust. As it melts, it forms a light glaze on the top layer. A small sprinkle of white sugar can replace it.
• 1/2 tsp Extra Cinnamon Powder (for topping): The topping needs extra spice to give the top layer a warm scent. You may also blend cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg.
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Butter melts on top and helps the crust turn golden. It also adds a smooth, rich flavor. A dairy-free butter spread can also work.
• Icing Sugar: Icing sugar goes on after baking. It adds a soft sweetness and makes the casserole look bright and light. The soft and crunchy parts make every bite exciting.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowl – main bowl for egg mix
• Whisk – blends eggs and milk
• Baking dish – holds the casserole
• Measuring cups – simple volume measure
• Measuring spoons – small amounts
• Oven – for baking
• Small bowl – sugar topping mix
• Spatula or spoon – pressing bread into mix
• Oven mitts – safe handling
• Sifter (optional) – smooth icing sugar dust

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole

Step 1 | Mix the wet base

Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. Add brown sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk until the mix looks smooth. Pour in the milk. Add vanilla and cinnamon. Whisk again until everything blends into a light, creamy liquid.

Step 2 | Prepare the bread

Tear the bread into soft, small pieces using your hands. Keep the pieces similar in size so they bake evenly. Place the pieces into the wet mixture. Press them down gently so they soak up the liquid.

Step 3 | Combine well

Stir the soaked bread so each piece is coated. The mix should look moist, but not runny. Let it rest for a short moment so the bread can absorb more flavor.

Step 4 | Make the topping

Blend brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mix brings a sweet crust to the top.

Step 5 | Add topping to the casserole

Pour the bread mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it so the surface is level. Sprinkle the sugar-and-cinnamon topping evenly over the top. Place small bits of butter across the surface so they melt during baking.

Step 6 | Bake the casserole

Place the dish in an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 30 minutes. The top should look golden, and the center should feel set but soft. A longer bake gives a firmer texture.

Step 7 | Finish and serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a short time. Dust icing sugar on top. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Chef Notes & Tips

• Overnight Option: Assemble the whole casserole the night before. Cover and put it in the fridge. Bake it in the morning – just add a few extra minutes.
• Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the edges are puffed and no liquid custard pools in the center.
• Avoid Sogginess: Using day-old bread is the best trick to prevent a soggy result.
• Testing for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center. It should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. The edges will firm up first, so focus on checking the middle portion.

What to Serve with French Toast Casserole

I like pairing the warm casserole with simple sides that balance the sweet flavor. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a small bowl of yogurt add a light touch.

You can also serve it with crispy bacon or sausage for a nice mix of sweet and salty. Maple syrup, honey, or a small spoon of butter can bring even more comfort to your plate.

You may also enjoy a glass of milk, hot coffee, or orange juice to complete the meal. This makes your breakfast feel smooth, warm, and easy to enjoy.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

You can chill leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When you want to warm it, heat small pieces in the oven or microwave until soft. This casserole also freezes well for later.

Wrap it tight and freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge. You may also prepare the dish the night before and bake it in the morning.

Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe FAQs

1. How can I tell if baked French toast is done?

Baked French toast is ready when the center no longer looks wet and the top turns golden. A gentle press in the center should feel soft but not loose or liquid.

You may also check by sliding a spoon into the middle; the custard should look set, not runny. A few extra minutes in the oven can help firm it up.

2. Why is my baked French toast soggy?

A soggy casserole often means too much liquid or too-short baking time. Bread that is very fresh can also soak up unevenly. Using slightly dry bread helps balance the custard.

Make sure the dish bakes long enough so the center sets. A deeper dish may need a few extra minutes.

3. What temperature to bake French toast casserole?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. This temperature allows the casserole to cook evenly, creating a creamy inside and a nicely browned crust without burning.

4. Can I use other spices instead of cinnamon?

Yes, nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or a mixture of warm spices can replace cinnamon if preferred. Use small amounts to keep the cozy flavor.

5. Is it okay to leave out the eggs?

You can replace each egg with ¼ cup mashed banana or applesauce plus 1 tbsp milk, but the texture will be softer and less custardy. Flax eggs also work for a vegan version.

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Yield: 6

Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe

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Easy Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole recipe – prep 15 min, bake 30 min, creamy custard & golden top for a cozy breakfast treat!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 6 slices bread (brioche or challah preferred)
• 1 tbsp extra brown sugar (for topping)
• 1/2 tsp extra cinnamon powder (for topping)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Icing sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

1. Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. Add brown sugar and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk until the mix looks smooth. Pour in the milk. Add vanilla and cinnamon. Whisk again until everything blends into a light, creamy liquid.
2. Tear the bread into soft, small pieces using your hands. Keep the pieces similar in size so they bake evenly. Place the pieces into the wet mixture. Press them down gently so they soak up the liquid.
3. Stir the soaked bread so each piece is coated. The mix should look moist, but not runny. Let it rest for a short moment so the bread can absorb more flavor.
4. Blend brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This mix brings a sweet crust to the top.
5. Pour the bread mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it so the surface is level. Sprinkle the sugar-and-cinnamon topping evenly over the top. Place small bits of butter across the surface so they melt during baking.
6. Place the dish in an oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 30 minutes. The top should look golden, and the center should feel set but soft. A longer bake gives a firmer texture.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a short time. Dust icing sugar on top. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 310Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 180mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 9g

This Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe gives a creamy, golden breakfast treat that is simple and satisfying.

Each bite has a soft custard center and a crunchy, caramelized top that’s perfect for a comforting morning meal.