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 (can substitute 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

When it comes to cozy weekend breakfasts, nothing beats the comforting warmth of a baked delight like this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy all the flavors of classic French toast but in an easy, hands-off casserole form that’s perfect for sharing.

A white round plate with a piece of French toast made of thick, golden-brown cubes stacked in a grid, topped with fresh red raspberries, blueberries, and a few sliced almonds. Syrup is being poured from above, creating a golden stream that drips down the French toast. Around the plate are scattered blueberries, raspberries, and sliced almonds. To the side, a silver fork rests on the plate, and in the background, a bottle of vanilla bean syrup and a white bowl filled with berries sit on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand with red nail polish is holding the syrup container. 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 genuinely love how this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe combines ease and flavor. You prep it the night before, then wake up to the sweet smell of baked cinnamon and vanilla — total morning bliss, especially when you’re feeding a crowd or want a stress-free brunch.

Simple Prep: Mix it all up in one bowl and assemble in your baking dish without standing over a skillet flipping slices.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Uses gluten-free bread, so everyone at your table can enjoy it without worry.
Customizable: You can easily swap out dairy or try seasonal fruits as toppings, making it versatile year-round.
Delightfully Cozy: The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla baking fills your home, creating that “just like Sunday morning” atmosphere.

A white plate with a thin black rim holds a serving of toasted bread pieces dusted with powdered sugar, layered with fresh red raspberries, halved strawberries with green tops, and whole blueberries. Light brown almond slices are sprinkled on top, and syrup is drizzled over the entire dish, creating a shiny glaze. A silver fork with a woman's hand holding a small bite of the bread rests at the edge of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with a white dish filled with more bread pieces and a small bowl of almond slices nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each ingredient plays a role in crafting that custardy, flavorful texture, while keeping it gluten-free — making it both comforting and allergy-conscious.

Flat lay of a small pile of dry gluten-free bread cubes, five whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of almond milk, a small white ceramic bowl of pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl holding dark vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, and a small white ceramic bowl with fine white salt, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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: Preferably dry or slightly stale to soak up the custard without getting soggy — you can speed this up by toasting if your bread is fresh.
Large eggs: They bind everything together and provide rich structure.
Milk (dairy or dairy-free): I go for unsweetened almond milk for a subtle nutty flavor that's light but creamy.
Pure maple syrup: It sweetens naturally and adds a lovely depth that plain sugar can’t match.
Butter or vegan butter (melted): Brings indulgence and helps create that golden crust.
Vanilla extract: Essential for that warm, sweet backdrop flavor.
Ground cinnamon: A little goes a long way for that cozy spice without overwhelming.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet and spiced 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 parts about this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I’ve played around with different milk options and toppings depending on what I have on hand, and you can totally make it uniquely yours.

Variation: I sometimes add a handful of toasted pecans or chopped apples to the bread cubes before soaking — it adds a lovely texture and bursts of flavor.
Dairy-Free: Using coconut or almond milk plus vegan butter keeps it totally dairy-free without losing any richness.
Extra Sweet: For a dessert twist, sprinkle chocolate chips or swap some maple syrup for a drizzle of caramel sauce before baking.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Cubes

I always start by cubing my loaf of gluten-free bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. It’s crucial to use dry or slightly stale bread here — it soaks up the custard perfectly without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, pop the cubes in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes to dry them out a bit. This little step makes a big difference!

Step 2: Whisk Your Custard Mix

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (I use almond milk), pure maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until it’s smooth and everything is well combined. This is your flavorful custard that’ll soak into those bread cubes and bake into perfection.

Step 3: Combine and Soak

Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture, making sure each piece is well coated. Then transfer everything into a buttered baking dish, pressing down lightly so the bread absorbs the custard evenly. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight — or at least 4 hours if you’re short on time.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells like heaven and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks to nail this Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe perfectly every time. These simple tips help avoid sogginess and guarantee a beautifully baked dish that impresses every single time.

Use Stale Bread: This is a game changer — fresh bread won't absorb custard properly and makes things mushy.
Let It Soak Overnight: The longer soak really helps the flavors meld and achieve that custardy texture, so don’t skip the refrigeration.
Butter Your Baking Dish: This prevents sticking and adds a subtle crispy edge to the bottom crust.
Don't Rush Baking: Make sure the casserole is set through before pulling it out, or the center may be too wet — trust the toothpick test!

How to Serve Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe

gluten-free French toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole just before serving with a drizzle of warm pure maple syrup — it adds that perfect sticky sweetness. Fresh berries like blueberries or sliced peaches bring vibrant color and light tartness, and sometimes I sprinkle over toasted pecans or sliced almonds for a little crunch.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy breakfast sausages or a side of scrambled eggs for added protein. If you want to keep it light, a simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I sometimes make individual portions in small ramekins—perfect for a cute presentation that lets everyone have their own personalized serving. Sprinkling powdered sugar over the top and adding a sprig of fresh mint instantly elevates the look for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep really well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I store them, I use an airtight container to avoid drying out, and it reheats wonderfully for a quick breakfast or snack the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover portions successfully by letting the casserole cool completely, then wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked feeling, I reheat slices in the oven at 325°F wrapped loosely in foil for about 15-20 minutes, which keeps the casserole moist but warm throughout. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but watch it closely so it doesn’t get rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for this casserole?

Using fresh bread can result in a soggy casserole because it doesn’t soak up the custard mixture as well. If you only have fresh gluten-free bread, toast or dry it in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes before cubing to help mimic the texture of stale bread.

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

Absolutely! You can use dairy-free milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, and substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. The casserole turns out just as delicious and creamy using these swaps.

How far ahead can I prepare the casserole before baking?

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. This overnight soak actually helps the bread absorb more custard, making the final dish more flavorful and custardy.

What toppings do you recommend for this casserole?

Classic toppings I love include a drizzle of pure maple syrup, fresh berries, or sliced peaches. For texture contrast, toasted pecans or sliced almonds add a lovely crunch. And a light dusting of powdered sugar makes it look extra special for guests.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole Recipe has earned a top spot in my brunch rotation — it’s so simple yet always a crowd-pleaser that feels just a little bit special. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the same joy I get waking up to that warm aroma, knowing breakfast is all ready to serve. Trust me, you’ll want to make this your go-to recipe whenever you want an easy, delicious celebration-worthy morning.