A great French toast casserole is a busy host’s best friend.

The cornflake topping stays crispy after baking, adding another irresistible texture dimension.

This French toast casserole is perfect for slathering with sweet maple syrup and topping with fresh berries.

Southern Living French Toast Casserole in the pan with a serving out

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

It gets the job done all in one baking dish, and its guaranteed to just the crowd.

The rest of the time is reserved for soaking the bread in the egg mixture and of course baking.

Stale bread is better than fresh bread when it comes to preparing French toast and French toast casserole.

Southern Living French Toast Casserole ingredients

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Can You Make French Toast Casserole Ahead?

Yes, you might.

Then cover it and refrigerate overnight.

Southern Living French Toast Casserole in the pan ready to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

This would also be a crowd-pleasingbrunch dishto serve alongsidemimosas.

Place bread cubes in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet.

Place baking sheet on a wire rack, and let cool completely, about 10 minutes.

Southern Living French Toast Casserole bread cubes after toasting

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Add bread to egg mixture:

Add bread cubes and walnuts; toss to coat.

Meanwhile, increase oven temperature to 375F.

Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, and set aside.

Southern Living French Toast Casserole whisking together the egg and milk mixture

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Serve warm with maple syrup and berries.

Southern Living French Toast Casserole adding the bread to the milk mixture

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Southern Living French Toast Casserole letting the bread soak up the milk mixture

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Southern Living French Toast Casserole mixing the cornflake topping

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Southern Living French Toast Casserole adding the topping to the casserole before baking

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Southern Living French Toast Casserole after baking

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey

Southern Living French Toast Casserole ready to serve with berries and maple syrup

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey