If you are looking for a rich, comforting, and crowd-pleasing breakfast, the Barefoot Contessa baked French toast casserole recipe is exactly what you need. Inspired by Ina Garten’s signature style—simple ingredients, elegant flavor, and foolproof technique—this baked French toast casserole is perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or relaxed weekend mornings.
Unlike traditional French toast that requires standing over the stove, this casserole version is baked in the oven, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time and enjoy stress-free mornings. With custardy bread, warm spices, and a lightly crisp top, this dish delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Barefoot Contessa baked French toast casserole recipe, including tips, variations, make-ahead instructions, serving ideas, and a complete recipe you can confidently make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
This recipe has become a favorite for many reasons:
- Perfect for overnight preparation
- Rich, custardy texture with a golden top
- Feeds a crowd with ease
- Elegant yet comforting flavor
- Ideal for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day
- Inspired by Ina Garten’s classic, no-fail cooking philosophy
Whether you’re hosting brunch or treating your family, this casserole feels special without being complicated.
What Makes Barefoot Contessa French Toast Casserole Special?
The Barefoot Contessa style is all about quality ingredients and simplicity. Instead of overly sweet toppings or complicated steps, this recipe focuses on:
- Good bread (brioche or challah)
- Real cream and milk
- Fresh eggs
- Warm vanilla and spice
- Balanced sweetness
The result is a baked French toast casserole that’s creamy inside, lightly crisp on top, and never soggy.
Best Bread for Baked French Toast Casserole
Choosing the right bread is essential for success.
Recommended Bread Types:
- Brioche (best option)
- Challah
- French bread (day-old)
- Sourdough (for less sweetness)
The bread should be slightly stale, allowing it to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole
Here are the simple, classic ingredients you’ll need.
Bread Layer
- 1 large loaf brioche or challah bread (about 1 pound), cut into cubes
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional but Recommended)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Complete Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
This is the complete, step-by-step recipe you can follow with confidence.
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter.
Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish, making sure it fills the pan without being packed too tightly.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
Gently press the bread down with a spatula so every piece absorbs the liquid.
Step 4: Cover and Refrigerate (Overnight Option)
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
This step allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix:
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
Drizzle or spoon the mixture evenly over the soaked bread just before baking.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This allows the casserole to firm up and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions for Baked French Toast Casserole
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with:
- Powdered sugar
- Warm maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Crispy bacon or sausage on the side
For a true Barefoot Contessa-style brunch, pair it with fresh fruit and good coffee.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead
This recipe is perfect for making the night before. Assemble, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave individual portions
Variations on Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe
You can easily customize this recipe while keeping the classic flavor.
Berry French Toast Casserole
Add fresh blueberries or raspberries between the bread layers.
Orange-Vanilla Version
Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and replace half the vanilla with orange extract.
Nutty Crunch Topping
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fresh bread (it becomes mushy)
- Skipping the soaking time
- Overbaking (leads to dryness)
- Using low-fat milk instead of whole milk and cream
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake it immediately without overnight soaking?
Yes, but let it sit for at least 30–45 minutes before baking for best texture.
Can I freeze baked French toast casserole?
Yes. Bake, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Is this exactly Ina Garten’s recipe?
This is a Barefoot Contessa–style inspired recipe, using the same techniques and flavor philosophy that Ina Garten is known for.
Final Thoughts
The Barefoot Contessa baked French toast casserole recipe is everything a great breakfast should be—simple, comforting, elegant, and satisfying. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or just want an easy weekend treat, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
