A sweet and easy way to feed brunch to a crowd.

In this case, just an hour will do.

Keep reading to learn how to turn tender, buttery brioche into an unforgettable French toast casserole.

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole in the pan ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

In fact, most are likely in your cabinet right now.

(The full ingredient list is further below.)

For the cinnamon-butter topping, you’ll need:

What is brioche bread?

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Brioche is a key in of French bread that’s made with an egg- and butter-rich enriched dough.

It’s softer, lighter, and far more fluffy than your average sandwich bread.

(You should definitely be awake though.)

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole topping ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

In fact, it’s so easy, kids can help.

Ask them to arrange the bread slices and mix the topping.

The full recipe for this French toast casserole is below, but here’s a brief recap.

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon Baked French Toast Casserole in the dish with a serving scooped out to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Otherwise, store in plastic, air-tight containers for up to 5 days.

baking dish with cooking spray.

Prepare the egg mixture:

Whisk the eggs until the whites and yolks are well-combined.

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole bread slices arranged in casserole dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whisk in half-and-half, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

Slowly pour over the casserole, letting it seep down into the bread.

Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole whisking together the eggs

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Prepare the oven:

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350F.

Work in the softened butter until the mixture forms a thick paste.

Bake, uncovered, for 45 to 50 minutes or until set and golden brown.

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole after mixing in the seasonings and half and half

A knife inserted into the center should come out moist, but clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stale bread works better inFrench toastand French toast casseroles.

All sorts of breads work well for French toast casserole.

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole egg mixture added to bread in casserole dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It’s just always better if the bread is stale or dried out slightly.

ThisOvernight Blueberry French Toast Casseroleuses challah, and thisButtermilk French Toastuses French bread.

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole covered with plastic wrap

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole stirring together dry ingredients for topping

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole with butter mixed in to topping

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon French Toast Casserole topping crumbled over the casserole before baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon Baked French Toast Casserole after baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Brioche Cinnamon Baked French Toast Casserole dusted with powdered sugar to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox