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 cubed); 5 large eggs; 2 cups milk (regular or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free option); 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 almost magical about waking up to a warm, gooey breakfast casserole that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas. This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of treat—effortless to prepare ahead and full of cozy flavors that make mornings feel extra special.

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

This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe is a game changer for busy mornings and for anyone avoiding gluten but not flavor. I adore how it combines ease with elegance—plus, it can be prepped the night before, which means more time to sip your coffee and relax.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it overnight and pop it in the oven in the morning—no stress, no fuss.
Gluten-Free and Adaptable: Perfect if you’re gluten-sensitive or feeding a crowd with dietary needs.
Comfort in Every Bite: Thick cubes of bread soak up a rich custard, creating that irresistible creamy interior and crisp edges.
Customizable Toppings: From fresh berries to toasted nuts, you can dress it up however you like to match your morning mood.

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

Each ingredient in this casserole is carefully chosen to deliver the right texture and flavor while keeping it gluten-free. I always recommend using a sturdy gluten-free bread loaf that's a bit dry or stale because it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.

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: Use dry or slightly stale cubes to absorb the custard and hold their shape during baking.
Eggs: Provide the rich custard base that binds the bread and adds protein.
Milk (Dairy-Free OK): I like unsweetened almond milk for a lighter touch, but whole milk works beautifully for a richer dish.
Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth—feel free to swap for brown sugar in a pinch.
Butter (or Vegan Butter): Gives a subtle richness and helps create those delicious crispy edges.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
Ground Cinnamon: Spices things up just right for that classic French toast aroma.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the 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

One of my favorite things about this casserole is how easy it is to customize. Whether you prefer it dairy-free, want to add some fruit inside, or like it a bit sweeter, this recipe welcomes your personal touches.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in a handful of fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries before baking—a juicy surprise that makes each bite pop.
Dairy-Free Swap: Using vegan butter and almond milk easily turns this into a fully dairy-free breakfast that still feels indulgent.
Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for a cozy twist.
Nuts & Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds on top before baking for a little extra texture.

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

Step 1: Prep the Bread Cubes

Start by cutting your gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes—ideally dry or slightly stale to avoid sogginess. If the bread is fresh, don't worry: just spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them air dry for a couple of hours or toast lightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This little step ensures the bread soaks up just the right amount of custard without falling apart.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pure maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined—this will soak into your bread cubes and create that delicious custard texture.

Step 3: Combine and Soak

Place your bread cubes in a greased baking dish, then pour the custard evenly over top. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate it overnight, which I love because it means breakfast practically cooks itself the next day.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 minutes, until the custard is set and the edges are golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let it rest a few minutes before serving—it smells amazing!

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe, I’ve discovered a few tricks to make it foolproof and extra delicious.

Dry Bread is Key: Using stale or toasted bread makes the difference between a custardy cakey interior and a soggy mess. Don’t skip this step!
Even Soaking: Press the bread softly into the custard to help it soak evenly, then resist the urge to stir once it’s in the dish.
Quality Maple Syrup: Using real maple syrup instead of sugar adds a nuanced depth of flavor that makes this casserole feel indulgent but natural.
Timing Matters: Baking right from the fridge after an overnight soak gives you the best texture—less cooking time and more even setting.

How to Serve Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe

Gluten-Free French Toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always reach for a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup right before serving. Fresh berries are my favorite fresh touch—they add brightness and a pop of color. Sometimes, I sprinkle toasted pecans for crunch, which never fails to impress.

Side Dishes

This pairs wonderfully with crispy breakfast sausage or a simple fruit salad for some refreshing contrast. If you want to keep it light, a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt on the side lends a cool creaminess that complements the warm casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties, I’ve layered this casserole with fresh peach slices and toasted almonds just before baking—it makes a stunning centerpiece. You can also cut it into smaller squares, arrange on a platter, and let guests add their own toppings from an assortment of nuts, fruits, and syrups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven restores some crispness, but microwaving works if you're in a rush—just expect a slightly softer texture.

Freezing

While I usually make this fresh, freezing is possible. I portion it into individual servings, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven for best results.

Reheating

To keep that delightful crispness, I reheat in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the custard’s creaminess and crisps the edges just right. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture, but it’s fine if you’re short on time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale for this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Yes! If your bread isn’t stale, just toast or dry it out a bit in the oven before assembling the casserole. This prevents the bread from becoming too soggy during baking.

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

Absolutely! By using dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk and substituting butter for a vegan butter alternative, you can enjoy this recipe without dairy.

How far in advance can I prep the casserole?

The casserole can be assembled and refrigerated overnight, or up to 24 hours ahead. This gives the bread plenty of time to soak in the custard and develop flavor.

Can I add fruit or nuts inside the casserole?

Yes, adding fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches, or sprinkling nuts such as toasted pecans or almonds before baking adds wonderful texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe has become a beloved weekend ritual in my house. It’s like giving your morning a warm, comforting hug. I hope you find it as delightful and adaptable as I do—once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your breakfast rotation. Give yourself the gift of a stress-free morning filled with cozy, gluten-free goodness!