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 incredibly comforting about waking up to a warm, cinnamon-spiced breakfast that feels like a hug on a plate. This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe does just that—making brunch effortless while still delivering all those cozy flavors you crave.

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

I’ve made a lot of breakfast casseroles over the years, but this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe is special because it’s both easy and adaptable—perfect for those mornings when you want to impress without the stress.

Simple Prep: Mix everything up the night before and let it soak—making your morning easier and more relaxed.
Gluten-Free Friendly: No need to miss out on classic comfort food, thanks to gluten-free bread that still delivers great texture.
Customizable Flavors: From cinnamon to maple syrup to fresh fruit, you can tailor this casserole to your taste buds or dietary needs.
Kid-Approved: It’s a great way to sneak in wholesome ingredients while making breakfast feel like a treat.

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 delicate balance between custardy softness and flavorful warmth. Here’s why I love these picks and some tips for choosing the best versions.

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 slightly stale or dry bread means it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly to dry it out before cubing.
Eggs: They’re the heart of the custard, binding everything together and adding richness.
Milk (or dairy-free alternative): I often use unsweetened almond milk for a lighter feel, but whole milk or oat milk also yield fantastic results.
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor, making your casserole taste way more gourmet than it is.
Butter (or vegan butter): Melting this into the custard adds a velvety texture and enhances flavor beautifully.
Vanilla extract: It brings warmth and rounds out the sweetness perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: The signature spice that makes this casserole unmistakably French toast-y.
Salt: Just a pinch to brighten all those sweet flavors and balance the custard.

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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 mixing it up depending on the season, or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to personalize this casserole—it’s forgiving and welcomes your creativity.

Fruit add-ins: Fresh berries or sliced peaches folded in before baking add juicy bursts of flavor—I remember once adding roasted apples, and it took the casserole to a whole new level of cozy.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle sliced almonds, toasted pecans, or walnuts on top for texture and a nutty aroma.
Dairy-free swap: Use coconut or oat milk and vegan butter to keep this 100% dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Like a Pro

Start by cutting your gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes. Since gluten-free bread can be softer than regular bread, I always make sure it’s a bit stale or dry. If it’s fresh, I pop it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes to dry it out—this helps the bread hold the custard without getting soggy. Transfer the cubes into a greased casserole dish while you work on the custard mixture.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until yolks and whites are combined. Add in your milk, pure maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. I like to really whisk it well to get all those flavors married and the cinnamon evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine and Soak

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, gently pushing the bread down so it soaks up all that goodness. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it rest—overnight in the fridge is ideal, but if you’re short on time, a couple of hours works too. I’ve found that allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard makes all the difference in texture.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover, and bake for about 45 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to help everything settle.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned these small tweaks really help this casserole shine, especially since gluten-free baked goods can be tricky!

Dry Bread is Key: Don’t skip drying or slightly toasting your bread cubes; it keeps your casserole from turning into a soggy mess.
Overnight Rest: If you can, prep the night before—this soaking time transforms the texture to custardy and tender.
Even Pouring: When pouring the custard, gently press down the bread to ensure every cube soaks up flavor evenly.
Check the Bake: Ovens vary, so start checking around 40 minutes to avoid drying out the casserole.

How to Serve Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe

gluten-free french toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a drizzle of pure maple syrup on top—adds that perfect sweetness and shine. Fresh berries add a pop of color and brightness, while a dusting of powdered sugar gives it that just-baked look. Toasted pecans or almonds offer a lovely crunch and nuttiness that contrasts the soft casserole beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair it with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a satisfying balance. A fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait can also complement the sweetness and keep things light. I’ve often served it with a cup of strong coffee or chai latte for a cozy brunch vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins for a cute personal touch. You can also make mini versions using muffin tins—great for grab-and-go breakfasts or brunch parties. Layering fresh fruit between bread cubes before baking creates a delightful surprise inside, perfect for impressing guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion it out so family members can reheat just what they want. It holds its texture well, especially if you let it cool completely before storing.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it reheats almost like fresh. Just avoid freezing the entire casserole in one big piece, since reheating can lead to uneven warmth and sogginess.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the top regains some crispness. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method keeps the best texture and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

For the best texture, it’s recommended to use dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out before cubing. This prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.

Is this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe dairy-free?

It can be! Simply swap the milk for a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. The recipe is very adaptable for dietary preferences.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely, this recipe is perfect for overnight prepping. Assemble it the night before, let it soak in the fridge, and bake fresh in the morning to save time and enjoy a stress-free breakfast.

What toppings do you recommend for serving?

My favorite toppings include drizzled pure maple syrup, fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and toasted nuts for crunch. You can also get creative with sliced peaches or a dollop of yogurt.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe has become one of those mornings I look forward to—comforting, easy, and packed with flavor. I hope you give it a try, whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a holiday breakfast. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and keep coming back to, I promise.