Name: Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) loaf dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 9-10 cups); 5 large eggs; 2 cups milk (regular or dairy-free, such as unsweetened almond milk); 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (or white sugar or brown sugar); 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter, melted; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt; Pure maple syrup; Powdered sugar; Fresh berries; Sliced peaches; Toasted pecans; Sliced almonds

There’s something so comforting about waking up to a warm, custardy breakfast baked all in one dish. This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe is my go-to for those cozy mornings when you want something rich, flavorful, and hassle-free that everyone can enjoy—even if you’re avoiding gluten.

A white round plate with a piece of French toast made of thick, golden-brown cubes stacked in a grid, topped with fresh red raspberries, blueberries, and a few sliced almonds. Syrup is being poured from above, creating a golden stream that drips down the French toast. Around the plate are scattered blueberries, raspberries, and sliced almonds. To the side, a silver fork rests on the plate, and in the background, a bottle of vanilla bean syrup and a white bowl filled with berries sit on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand with red nail polish is holding the syrup container. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s incredibly simple to prepare and bakes into a custardy, cinnamon-spiced delight that tastes like a breakfast treat from a fancy brunch spot—without any gluten worries.

Hands-Off Prep: You just assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning—easy breakfasts like this make busy weekends feel special.
Perfect Texture: Using dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread helps achieve that soft yet slightly crispy bite.
Flexible Ingredients: You can use dairy or dairy-free milk and swap out toppings to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Family Friendly: Whether you’re gluten-free or not, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser everyone will enjoy.

A white plate with a thin black rim holds a serving of toasted bread pieces dusted with powdered sugar, layered with fresh red raspberries, halved strawberries with green tops, and whole blueberries. Light brown almond slices are sprinkled on top, and syrup is drizzled over the entire dish, creating a shiny glaze. A silver fork with a woman's hand holding a small bite of the bread rests at the edge of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with a white dish filled with more bread pieces and a small bowl of almond slices nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe has a purpose—whether it’s flavor, texture, or structure. Choosing the right bread and combining it with the perfect custard mixture makes all the difference. Let me walk you through why I pick each part.

Flat lay of a small pile of dry gluten-free bread cubes, five whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of almond milk, a small white ceramic bowl of pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl holding dark vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, and a small white ceramic bowl with fine white salt, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Gluten-Free Bread: I recommend using dry or slightly stale bread so the custard soaks in but your casserole doesn’t get mushy. Fresh bread can be dried in the oven quickly if needed.
Eggs: They’re the foundation for the custard, binding everything together with richness and protein.
Milk (dairy or dairy-free): Unsweetened almond milk is my favorite for a lighter, dairy-free option—it keeps the dish creamy without overwhelming sweetness.
Pure Maple Syrup: This gives a natural sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor that white or brown sugar can’t quite mimic.
Butter or Vegan Butter: Melting it into the custard adds silky richness and helps the top crisp up beautifully during baking.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is subtle but it lifts the entire casserole’s flavor profile.
Ground Cinnamon: Just the right spice amount gives the dish that classic breakfast warmth.
Salt: Helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this casserole is how forgiving and customizable it is. Whether I’m craving a fruity breakfast or something a little richer, you can easily tweak it to match your mood—and I encourage you to make it your own.

Berry Burst Variation: Stir fresh or frozen berries into the bread cubes before soaking for a tart contrast that’s refreshing and colorful. I’ve done this when friends come over, and it’s always a hit.
Dairy-Free Swap: Use your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter without compromising flavor—especially great if you or guests are lactose intolerant.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds on top right before baking for an irresistible crunch.
Maple & Spice Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon vanilla extract to deepen the flavor profile for something extra special.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread the Right Way

Start by cutting your gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread isn’t dry or a bit stale, I like to spread the cubes on a baking sheet and pop them in a 250°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This dries them out just enough so they soak up the custard without turning into soggy mush later.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, crack your eggs and whisk them with milk, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. It smells amazing already! Make sure to whisk until it's smooth with no egg streaks—this ensures every bite is luscious and perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Combine and Soak Overnight

Place the bread cubes into a greased baking dish then pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Gently press the bread down so it fully absorbs the mixture, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This soak time transforms the bread into that dreamy custardy texture you'll love.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Remove from fridge about 15 minutes before baking while you preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The edges should be slightly crisp, and the middle moist and custardy—not runny.

Top Tip

From making this casserole countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make the difference between ‘just good’ and ‘wow, this is amazing’. These pointers helped me perfect my recipe, and I’m sure they’ll help you, too.

Using Stale Bread: Don’t skip drying your bread cubes if they’re fresh—this is key for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
Overnight Soak: Letting the casserole rest in the fridge overnight allows flavors to fully meld and ensures each bite is soft and creamy inside.
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick in the center to test for doneness. If it comes out with wet custard, give it a few more minutes.
Personalize Toppings: Adding your favorite nuts or fresh fruit right before baking or serving adds texture and fresh flavor layers.

How to Serve Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe

gluten-free french toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about keeping things simple yet delicious. For garnishes, I usually drizzle a little pure maple syrup on top and dust with powdered sugar. If it’s summer, fresh berries are my go-to; in fall, I love adding sliced peaches or toasted pecans right before serving. It’s like adding a little extra magic to an already great dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a savory contrast. I also sometimes serve it with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. It’s a brunch party favorite that adapts well to what you have on hand.

Creative Ways to Present

For special breakfasts or holidays, I like to serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It feels festive and personalized and is always met with smiles. You could also layer the casserole in a clear dish for a pretty presentation that shows off the cinnamon-speckled bread cubes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole will firm up but remains delicious. I like to reheat single servings in the microwave or oven, just enough to warm through without drying it out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover casserole pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat gently in the oven. This has saved me many times when I’ve had extra but wanted a quick, tasty breakfast the next morning.

Reheating

To maintain the best texture, I recommend reheating leftovers in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. This restores that lovely custardy softness inside while refreshing the slightly crisp edges. Microwave works fine, but you lose some of that fresh-baked magic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh gluten-free bread for this casserole?

It’s best to use dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread for this recipe. Fresh bread tends to become soggy when soaked overnight. If all you have is fresh bread, you can dry it out by toasting the cubes in a low oven (around 250°F) for 10-15 minutes before assembling the casserole.

Can I make the Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap regular milk for unsweetened almond, oat, or your favorite plant-based milk, and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. The flavor and texture stay just as delicious.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven to keep the casserole’s texture intact. Freezing portions is also possible for longer storage—freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I add fruits or nuts to the casserole?

Yes! You can mix fresh or frozen berries into the bread cubes before soaking, or sprinkle toasted nuts on top for extra crunch and flavor. Personalizing toppings is a great way to make this casserole your own.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my weekend mornings because it feels indulgent yet is so easy to pull together. It’s proof you don’t need to compromise on taste or comfort when you’re gluten-free. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—feel free to play around with it and make it yours. Trust me, waking up to this aroma fills the house with cozy vibes, and sharing it is even better.