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 cubed bread); 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 the smell of warm cinnamon and maple syrup filling your kitchen — that’s exactly why I adore sharing this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe with you. It’s super easy, perfect for gatherings, and the texture? Just dreamy crispy on top, custardy inside.

A white plate with a slice of golden-brown baked French toast, topped with bright red raspberries, deep blue blueberries, and light beige sliced almonds. A drizzle of golden syrup is being poured over the top from a glass jar held by a woman's hand above. Around the toast on the plate are scattered almonds, blueberries, and a few strawberries, one sliced in half showing its red inside. A silver fork rests on the left side of the plate. The background is a soft white marbled texture, with a white cloth draped nearby and a bottle of vanilla bean syrup blurred in the background. 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 first made this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe on a chilly weekend morning when I wanted something cozy but fuss-free. It quickly became my go-to because it strikes a perfect balance between indulgent and nutritious, plus it’s so adaptable! You’ll see why it’s always on repeat at my house.

Effortless Prep: Just mix, layer, and refrigerate overnight — no standing over the stove flipping slices.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Uses gluten-free bread to keep it safe and enjoyable for those with sensitivities.
Versatile Flavor: I love that you can tweak it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins to keep things fresh.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy mornings or special occasions where you want to serve something impressive without stress.

A white plate with a black rim holds a square stack of cut, golden brown bread pieces dusted with powdered sugar, topped with red raspberries, blue blueberries, sliced almonds, and halved strawberries arranged around the stack. A fork with a piece of the bread stack on it rests on the plate's edge. There is amber syrup drizzling over the bread and berries, with more blueberries and almond slices scattered on the white marbled surface underneath. In the background, there is a white rectangular dish filled with more bread pieces topped with powdered sugar and a small white bowl with sliced almonds. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This casserole’s magic lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients that come together to create that custardy, sweet, and warming bite we all crave in French toast — just gluten-free. I always recommend using a dry or slightly stale gluten-free bread to get the perfect texture without it turning to mush.

Flat lay of a small pile of dry gluten-free bread cubes, five large brown eggs with clean shells, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with creamy almond milk, a small white bowl with golden pure maple syrup, a pat of melted butter in a white bowl, a small white bowl containing warm brown ground cinnamon powder, a tiny white bowl with fine white salt crystals, and a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced spacing, 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 bread is key; it soaks up the custard without falling apart...
Large Eggs: Eggs give structure and richness to the casserole, creating that silky custard inside.
Milk (or Dairy-Free Milk): I love unsweetened almond milk here, but regular dairy milk works too for creaminess.
Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely depth of flavor beyond plain sugar.
Butter or Vegan Butter: Melted into the custard for richness, helping everything brown beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens the flavor and adds warmth.
Ground Cinnamon: Classic warming spice that brings that cozy French toast vibe.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all these 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

One of the things I really enjoy about this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Depending on what you have on hand or your mood, swapping out a few ingredients or adding mix-ins can totally transform it.

Variation: I once added fresh blueberries and a handful of chopped pecans right before baking — the burst of fruit and crunch was a game-changer!
Dairy-Free: Using almond milk and vegan butter keeps it friendly for dairy intolerances without compromising flavor.
Spiced Up: A dash of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice in the custard makes it extra cozy in fall.
Sweetness Swap: Swapping maple syrup for honey or agave nectar works if you want a different kind of natural sweetener.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread

Start by cutting your gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes. I can’t stress enough using dry or slightly stale bread here — it holds up and soaks in the custard without getting soggy. If your bread feels fresh, pop the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until just dry but not browned. That subtle extra step makes all the difference.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until everything is smooth and fragrant. This mix is where your flavor really builds — I always give it a good taste here to adjust sweetness or cinnamon before moving on.

Step 3: Combine and Refrigerate Overnight

Place your bread cubes in a greased casserole dish, then pour the custard mixture evenly on top. Press down gently so the bread absorbs as much liquid as possible. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This soak is vital — it allows the custard to fully infuse the bread, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the casserole out of the fridge while the oven warms, uncover it, and bake for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp and the custard is set. If you notice the top browning too fast, loosely tent with foil to avoid burning.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe multiple times, these tips are what helped me nail the texture every single time. I want you to feel confident and enjoy every bite without guesswork.

Dry Bread Makes Perfect Custard: Always use bread that’s dry or toasted to avoid a soggy casserole — it really makes all the difference.
Overnight Soaking Is Key: Don’t skip the fridge soak — it allows the custard to soak in fully, giving that custardy center we love.
Even Layering: Break up the bread cubes evenly and press them slightly into the custard so every bite gets soaked.
Watch Your Bake Time: Start checking around 40 minutes; ovens vary and overbaking dries it out.

How to Serve Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe

French toast casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a drizzle of pure maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a handful of fresh berries or sliced peaches when they’re in season. Toasted pecans or sliced almonds add such a nice crunch and nutty contrast, too. These little touches take the dish from simple to special effortlessly.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like serving this casserole alongside crisp bacon or sausage for savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or citrusy yogurt on the side brightens things up and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m hosting brunch, I sometimes scoop individual servings into small ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking for an extra sparkle. For holiday mornings, adding a swirl of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped coconut cream makes it feel festive and indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion it out right after baking to make reheating easier and more convenient during the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual slices with success — just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. It’s a great way to prep for busy mornings!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through to keep that crisp top intact. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make it a little soggy, so I reserve that for really quick bites.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh gluten-free bread or does it have to be stale?

While stale or dry bread is ideal because it soaks up the custard without falling apart, you can dry out fresh gluten-free bread by toasting it lightly in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes. This prevents sogginess and helps keep your casserole’s perfect texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk for your favorite dairy-free alternative like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This recipe adapts beautifully with those substitutions without losing flavor or texture.

How long can I soak the casserole before baking?

You can soak it overnight or up to 24 hours in the fridge. The longer soak allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread, making it creamier. Just make sure it’s tightly covered so the bread doesn’t dry out on top.

What toppings do you recommend for serving?

I love classic pure maple syrup, but fresh berries, sliced peaches, powdered sugar, and toasted nuts all add wonderful layers of flavor and texture. For a decadent touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce is heavenly.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and comforting, perfect for those mornings when you want a slow, cozy start without the fuss. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s truly a delicious hug on a plate that’s easy to share with family or friends. Give it a try and make it yours!