This savory French toast casserole with bacon is a make-ahead breakfast that's easy to prepare. Just soak it in the egg mixture, refrigerate overnight, and bake for a flavorful morning meal!
My family loves savory french toast casseroles just as much as the sweeter ones. This version with bacon is packed with protein, making it a great choice for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. It's my pick for days when I want something more filling than pancakes but are just as easy to prepare.
What I love about this is that it takes a usually sweet breakfast classic in a savory direction. With hints of garlic, plenty of cheese, and a generous serving of bacon, it’s a dish that feels just right any time of day. My kids who are loyal to the classic French toast, now clean their plates—especially when they get those perfectly golden, cheesy corners.
This recipe is flexible—prep it 30 minutes before baking or assemble it the night before. It’s a great option for busy mornings or hectic evenings. While it bakes for 50 minutes, the kitchen fills with the rich aroma of herbs and bacon, and my kids can’t help but walk back and forth, asking if it’s almost ready. Just like my breakfast rutabaga casserole or pecan French toast casserole, there is minimal prep work, so breakfast basically takes care of itself.
I came up with this recipe during a particularly hectic week when our usual dinner routine just wasn’t working. Now, it’s our go-to for busy weeknights when we need something comforting but a little different. The leftovers reheat so well that I rarely get my share—they’re always packed up for lunch before I have a chance.
If you want to add more french toast recipes to your lineup or just switch things up, this casserole is a great choice. It’s one of those dishes that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Loaf of bread (French or sourdough) - cut into cubes, serves as the base for the dish.
- Large eggs - act as a binding agent and contribute to the custard-like consistency of the dish.
- Milk - adds creaminess to the egg mixture.
- Shredded cheese - enhances the flavor and adds a creamy, melty element to the dish.
- Bacon - adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients. I use turkey bacon, but you can use regular bacon.
- Garlic powder - gives the garlic flavor without needing actual garlic.
- Dried herbs (thyme or oregano) - add an herbal and earthy note.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
If you’re in the mood for a hearty and comforting breakfast or brunch dish, this savory french toast casserole with bacon is the perfect choice! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare a delicious casserole that’s great for feeding a crowd. Just follow the instructions below to create this satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Cook the Bacon
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon to the skillet and cook it until it becomes as crispy as it could be, which should take about 5-7 minutes (turkey bacon cooks faster, in 3 minutes per side). Make sure to turn the bacon occasionally for even cooking. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. If you prefer, you can prepare the bacon a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, crack the large eggs and add the milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth. This egg mixture will create the custard base for the casserole.
Want to save this?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week.
Combine Bread and Ingredients
Take your loaf of bread and cut it into cubes. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring that all the pieces are covered. Next, add the cooked bacon and shredded cheese to the bowl. Gently stir the mixture to combine, making sure that the bread is soaked in the egg mixture. Be careful not to break the bread too much; you want to keep some texture.
Refrigerate the Mixture
Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. For best results, you can refrigerate it overnight. This resting time allows the bread to absorb the egg mixture fully, enhancing the flavor and texture of the casserole.
Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to bake the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Transfer to Baking Dish
After the mixture has rested, remove it from the refrigerator. Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Use a spatula to gently press down on the mixture to compress it slightly, ensuring even baking.
Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes. The casserole is done when it is set in the center and has a golden color on top.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the casserole to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice. After resting, cut the casserole into squares and serve it warm. Enjoy your savory French toast casserole with bacon!
Storage
To store this french toast casserole with bacon, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. For optimal freshness, refrigerate the casserole for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Top Tips
Make the bacon ahead: For convenience, you can cook the bacon a day in advance. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake the casserole and allow the flavors to meld together better.
Use stale bread: If you have stale bread on hand, it works perfectly for this casserole. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a more flavorful and well-textured dish. If your bread is fresh, you can leave it out for a few hours to dry out slightly before using.
Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference. While cheddar is a classic choice, you can try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor and creaminess.
What to Serve with French Toast Casserole with Bacon
A good mix of flavors and textures makes french toast casserole with bacon even better. Fresh fruit, like citrus slices or a berry salad, keeps things light, while a side of sautéed apples or pears brings a little extra sweetness. For something savory, scrambled eggs or a side of roasted potatoes can balance out the meal.
A heartier option is chicken hashbrown casserole, which pairs well with the flavors of the dish. And if you’re looking for another baked dish to go alongside it, baked rutabaga is a great choice. No breakfast is complete without something to drink, and we always have coffee mocktail, pumpkin spice cold brew, tea, or hot chocolate on the table. If you want to try other versions, pecan praline french toast casserole and berry croissant french toast bake are both worth making!
Recipe
Tried and loved this recipe? Please leave a 5-star review below! Your reviews mean a lot to me, so if you've got any questions, please let me know in a comment.
Savory French Toast Casserole with Bacon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 loaf bread French or sourdough, cut into cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your choice
- 1 cup bacon Turkey bacon or regular
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs thyme or oregano
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. (This can be done a day ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge.)
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Add the cooked bacon and shredded cheese. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the bread is soaked.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the bread mixture into the dish, pressing down gently to compress.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm. Enjoy.
