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 substitute with 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

Imagine waking up to the warm, cinnamon-spiced aroma of a comforting breakfast baking in your oven. This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe makes that dream a reality—and it’s such an easy way to start the day with a cozy, delicious meal that everyone will love.

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 has become one of my go-to brunch dishes. It’s simple enough for a busy morning, but special enough for weekend gatherings. I promise you’ll appreciate how it’s both fancy and fuss-free!

Effortless Overnight Prep: Just assemble the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning—perfect for busy or slow mornings alike.
Reliable Gluten-Free Comfort: Uses gluten-free bread cubes that soak up the custard nicely without turning mushy, giving you that perfect texture.
Customizable Flavors: From cinnamon to maple syrup and your favorite toppings, you can tailor it exactly how you like.
Feeds A Crowd Easily: A single casserole dish yields about 8 generous servings, great for sharing with family or friends.

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

Every ingredient in this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a key role to bring out deep flavor and perfect texture, plus the ease of use when making it ahead. Here are my favorite reasons for each:

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: Dry or slightly stale bread soaks up the egg custard but holds its shape without getting soggy—a major key to success.
Eggs: They bind everything, giving that rich custard binding and fluffy finish.
Milk (dairy or dairy-free): Keeps this casserole creamy and moist without weighing it down.
Pure Maple Syrup: Adds just the right natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Butter or Vegan Butter: Melts into the casserole for golden richness and helps with browning on top.
Vanilla Extract: Introduces warmth and depth of flavor, making those comforting notes pop.
Ground Cinnamon: The signature spice that gives the casserole its inviting aroma and taste.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other 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

I love experimenting with toppings and mix-ins for this casserole. It’s incredibly forgiving and lets you add your favorite seasonal fruits or nuts to make it your own. Plus, it’s great for those dietary tweaks, too.

Berry Variation: Once, I added fresh blueberries and raspberries right before baking, and it brightened the flavor with a juicy contrast—I highly recommend trying this if you like a fruity twist.
Dairy-Free Swaps: Using almond or oat milk plus vegan butter makes this dish totally dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or sliced almonds sprinkled on top before baking add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor.
Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for an extra cozy vibe.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Cubes

Start by cutting your gluten-free bread—ideally dry or lightly stale—into 1-inch cubes. This helps it absorb the custard while keeping some structure. If your bread is fresh, I recommend spreading the cubes on a baking sheet and toasting them lightly in the oven for 10-15 minutes to dry them out better.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth. Taking a moment here to mix thoroughly ensures a deliciously cohesive flavor throughout the casserole.

Step 3: Combine Bread & Custard

Gently fold the bread cubes into your custard mixture, making sure all pieces get a nice soak. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the custard to soak in before transferring to your greased baking dish.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Puff

Bake your casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to open the oven too often—this can cause it to deflate or cook unevenly.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe countless times, and a few little touches make all the difference. Let me share what’s helped me get a perfect bake every time.

Use Slightly Stale Bread: This is the key to avoiding sogginess and achieving a wonderful texture. Fresh bread doesn’t absorb the custard properly and risks turning mushy.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the bread soak for at least 10 minutes before baking locks in flavor and creates that custardy interior.
Butter the Dish Well: A generous greasing helps prevent sticking and contributes to those crispy edges that I adore.
Watch Your Oven Temperature: Too hot and it might burn the casserole before it cooks through, so 350°F is your sweet spot.

How to Serve Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe

gluten-free french toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar, but fresh berries or sliced peaches add a perfect pop of color and brightness when in season. Toasted nuts are my favorite crunch addition too.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with crisp bacon or sausage links for some savory balance. A side of fresh fruit salad also elevates the meal and keeps things light. Sometimes, I serve it alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming touch. You can also top each serving with a sprig of mint or edible flowers for a festive flair that guests always notice and appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I cover any leftovers tightly and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. I find this casserole actually tastes great the next day, making it perfect for busy mornings or quick lunches.

Freezing

If I want to prep in bulk, I freeze individual portions wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they reheat beautifully without losing much texture.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop them in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes to revive that fresh-baked feel. You could also microwave in short bursts, but oven reheating keeps the edges crisp and custard creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread instead of dry or stale bread?

Fresh bread can become too soggy and cause the casserole to turn mushy. If you only have fresh bread, try toasting the cubes in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes to dry them out before using.

Is this casserole dairy-free as well as gluten-free?

This recipe can easily be dairy-free if you substitute the milk with unsweetened almond, oat, or other plant-based milk, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

Can I prepare the casserole the same day or is overnight soaking better?

You can bake it the same day after letting it soak for at least 20 minutes, but prepping it the night before allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, resulting in a richer and more flavorful casserole.

What are the best toppings for Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe?

Classic toppings like pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries work wonderfully. For a nutty crunch, try toasted pecans or sliced almonds. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe has become a warm, reassuring classic in my kitchen, perfect for bringing people together without stress. I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll find it’s one of those recipes you come back to over and over—whether for an easy weekday breakfast or a laid-back weekend brunch. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let your kitchen fill with that sweet, cinnamon-scented goodness that feels like home.