Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

This cream cheese French toast casserole is layered with a sweet cream cheese filling and plenty of cinnamon spice for a cozy breakfast. Make that morning or prep ahead for a crowd-pleasing breakfast!

What I love most about French toast casseroles—and why I make them so often—is how effortless they are. No standing over the stove flipping slice after slice of French toast. Instead, you just layer bread in a pan, pour over a sweet custard, and let the oven do the work. Best of all, most of the (minimal!) prep can be done ahead of time.

Try my pumpkin French toast casserole next!

This Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole Recipe Is:

• Studded with sweet cream cheese
• Toss in your favorite fruit or nuts
• Easy to prepare
• Fit for any occasion—feeds a crowd
• Simple ingredients
• A convenient make-ahead brunch option

Ingredients You Need

• Bread: Bread is the main ingredient in any baked French toast casserole, so this isn't the place to skimp. I recommend using a sturdy bread like brioche, sourdough or challah. You can use homemade bread or find in any grocery store. (Stay away from the flimsy sliced white bread, it will only result in a soggy and wet casserole.)
• Eggs: You need 8 large eggs.
• Milk & Heavy Cream: I use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream in this recipe for a richer, creamier texture. You can certainly use just whole milk or a lower-fat or nondairy milk if needed.
• Brown Sugar: With its molasses flavor, brown sugar is the best choice for sweetening this French toast casserole. You could substitute with granulated sugar but the casserole will lose some flavor.
• Vanilla Extract & Cinnamon: Adds wonderful flavor.
• Cream Cheese: You need full-fat brick cream cheese, not from a container. Make sure it's at room temperature otherwise it'll be difficult to combine with the sugar.
• Powdered Sugar: Just 2 Tablespoons adds a touch of sweetness.