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 loaf (15 oz) dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 9-10 cups); 5 large eggs; 2 cups milk (regular or unsweetened almond milk); 1/3 cup pure maple syrup; 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 cozy about a warm breakfast bake that'll fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and maple. This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a comforting, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for lazy mornings, and it works wonderfully whether you're gluten-free or just want to mix things up.

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 quickly became a weekend favorite in my house, and I can’t wait for you to experience that same joy. It takes all the fuss out of traditional French toast while still delivering that fluffy, custardy goodness we all crave.

Make-Ahead Ease: Prep it the night before, so mornings are stress-free and delicious.
Perfect Texture: Using slightly stale gluten-free bread means your casserole won’t be soggy but wonderfully tender.
Customizable Flavor: You can easily swap milk types or add your favorite mix-ins to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Family-Friendly: Even those not following gluten-free diets end up asking for seconds.

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

Each ingredient in this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect custard-soaked bake with comforting warmth. The trick is in balancing flavor and texture, especially when working gluten-free.

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: Using dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread is crucial; fresh bread can make the casserole soggy. A sturdy loaf sliced into cubes works best.
Eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent and create that rich custard base.
Milk (Regular or Dairy-Free): I like unsweetened almond milk for a subtle nutty twist and dairy-free friendly option.
Pure Maple Syrup: It adds natural sweetness and depth without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
Butter or Vegan Butter: Melted into the custard mixture, it adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
Vanilla Extract: A splash brightens all the flavors and adds warmth.
Ground Cinnamon: Classic spice in French toast that brings cozy aroma and taste.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.

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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

I love how flexible this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe is—you can easily make it your own by switching up toppings or adding flavors to the custard. Let me share a few tweaks I’ve enjoyed.

Berry Burst Variation: Stir in fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking for a bright, fresh contrast to the warm cinnamon.
Nutty Upgrade: I often sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds on top for crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Dairy-Free Swap: Use coconut or oat milk and vegan butter for a luscious, allergy-friendly dish that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a slightly exotic twist that’s surprisingly delicious.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread the Right Way

Cut your gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes—it’s best if it’s dry or a bit stale. If your bread feels too fresh, I found that popping the cubes in a low oven (around 250°F) for 10-15 minutes helps firm them up without drying them out completely, making a perfect base that absorbs the custard well.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, beat five large eggs, then add your choice of 2 cups milk, ⅓ cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt. Whisk it all together until it’s beautifully smooth and fragrant.

Step 3: Assemble and Soak Overnight

Place your bread cubes in a lightly buttered 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, gently pressing the cubes down so they soak up all that goodness. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight—or at least 4 hours—to let the flavors meld and bread absorb the custard fully.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and, if you like, dot the top with a little extra butter for extra richness. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still tender inside.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these tips will help you nail the texture and flavor every time, avoiding soggy or overly dry results that put people off French toast casseroles.

Use Slightly Stale Bread: This ensures the bread soaks up custard without turning mushy—fresh bread just won’t hold up as well.
Don’t Skip the Overnight Soak: Letting the bread absorb the custard overnight gives the best texture and flavor penetration.
Watch Your Bake Time: Aim for golden brown on top but still custardy inside; use a toothpick to check—it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it firms up a bit, making it easier to serve.

How to Serve Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe

Gluten-Free French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a simple gal when it comes to toppings—pure maple syrup is my go-to, drizzled generously right before serving. I also love sprinkling powdered sugar for that pretty, snowy look or fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries for a burst of color and freshness. Toasted pecans or sliced almonds add a delightful crunch that keeps things interesting.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for heartier meals, and a fresh fruit salad complements it beautifully for an extra dose of vibrancy. I sometimes add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for creaminess and a touch of protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins, topping each with a dusting of cinnamon sugar and fresh peach slices. It looks elegant and feels personal—plus, it’s a fun way to keep portion control in check during holiday brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically cover leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully either in the oven or microwave, just be sure to cover it loosely to maintain moisture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! After baking, let it cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I preheat the oven to 350°F and heat covered portions for about 15–20 minutes. This keeps the casserole moist but revives the crisp edges that make it so enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any gluten-free bread for this recipe?

Yes, but for best results, use bread that is slightly stale or dry. Fresh bread tends to absorb too much liquid and can make the casserole soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out in the oven for 10-15 minutes at a low temperature before using it.

Is this French toast casserole dairy-free?

This recipe can easily be made dairy-free by using a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and substituting butter with a vegan alternative. I often use unsweetened almond milk and vegan butter with great success.

Can I prepare the casserole on the morning I want to bake it?

While you can prepare and bake it on the same day, I highly recommend soaking the bread overnight in the custard mixture. This resting time lets the flavors develop and the bread fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more flavorful and tender casserole.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container or covered baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave portions covered to prevent drying out. This helps retain moisture and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it's both forgiving and rewarding. Whether for a family brunch, a holiday treat, or just a cozy weekend breakfast, it’s a simple way to impress with minimal fuss. I truly hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do, turning your mornings into a little celebration of flavor and ease.