This Martha Stewart French Toast Casserole Recipe is a rich and comforting breakfast bake, which includes brioche and pecans. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe—perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunch—ready in 3 hours (including chilling time).
Martha Stewart French Toast Casserole Recipe Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- 10 slices day-old brioche (about ¾ inch thick)
- 1 cup pecans (coarsely chopped or crushed)
- Rum-Raisin Maple Syrup, for serving

How To Make Martha Stewart French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Whisk in milk, heavy cream, ⅓ cup sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Dip and layer the brioche: Working in batches, dip each slice of brioche into the custard to fully coat. Overlap the coated slices in a 9-by-13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish.
- Add remaining custard: Pour any leftover custard mixture evenly over the top of the brioche slices. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bread to soak.
- Preheat oven and prepare topping: Preheat oven to 375°F. Uncover the casserole and top with chopped pecans. Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with parchment-lined foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the cover and continue baking for 20 to 25 more minutes, until the top is golden brown and crunchy.
- Serve warm: Slice and serve with warm Rum-Raisin Maple Syrup or your favorite topping.

Recipe Tips
- What type of bread works best?
Brioche is ideal, but challah or thick-cut white bread are good substitutes. - Can I assemble it the night before?
Yes—chill overnight and bake in the morning for an easy make-ahead breakfast. - How to make it nut-free:
Skip the pecans or replace them with a sprinkle of oats or streusel topping. - How to tell it’s done:
The top should be golden and the center should be set (not jiggly) when gently pressed. - Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes—almond, oat, or soy milk can be substituted, but texture may vary slightly.
What To Serve With French Toast Casserole
This casserole is rich and satisfying, so pair it with lighter sides like:
- Fresh berries or fruit salad
- Crispy bacon or sausage links
- Scrambled eggs
- Greek yogurt with honey
- Freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai

How To Store French Toast Casserole
Refrigerate:
Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
French Toast Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on portion size and syrup used.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
Yes, but it’s best to lightly toast it first so it soaks up the custard properly.
How long can it sit before baking?
Up to 12 hours in the fridge. It’s great for overnight preparation.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use non-dairy milk and cream substitutes. Coconut cream adds extra richness.
What’s a good syrup substitute?
Classic maple syrup, fruit compote, or powdered sugar are great alternatives to Rum-Raisin Maple Syrup.
Try More Recipes:
- Martha Stewart Zucchini Nut Bread Recipe
- Martha Stewart Quiche Recipe
- Martha Stewart Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Martha Stewart French Toast Casserole Recipe
Description
A rich, custardy baked French toast with brioche, pecans, and a crunchy sugar topping—ideal for make-ahead brunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, ⅓ cup sugar, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
- Dip brioche slices in custard and layer in a 9×13″ dish. Pour remaining custard over top.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Top with pecans and remaining sugar.
- Cover with parchment-lined foil and bake 25 mins. Uncover and bake 20–25 mins more until golden.
- Serve warm with syrup.
