Name: Texas French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 (11 1/2 ounce) package of 1-inch cut bread; 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups diced cooked turkey breast; 1/3 cup chopped green onions (or chives); 1 diced jalapeno, (optional); 1 chopped garlic clove; 1 teaspoon dried thyme ( (or your favorite herbs)); Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Texas French toast casserole is a hearty, cheesy twist on the breakfast classic, using thick slices of bread that soak up a savory mixture of eggs, cheese, and turkey.

A slice of baked dish with shredded cheese and herbs on a white plate with a fork hints at a savory twist, like a Texas French Toast Casserole. The rest of the dish is in a baking pan in the background, both placed on an elegant white textured surface.

Thanksgiving dinner at my home always feels magical—the warmth of family gathered around a beautifully set table, the smell of roasted turkey wafting through the air, and the endless side dishes everyone contributes.

We dive into my fall themed charcuterie board, cheesy cabbage casserole, buttery rolls and apple pie until we can barely move. However, after Thanksgiving is over, the excitement about the massive turkey wears off very quickly. I always overestimate how much turkey we need and then end up with heaps of leftovers.

After serving my cajun style baked turkey, the fridge overflows with leftovers. At the start, the family starts gives me side-eyes about turkey soup or sandwiches, but eventually flat out refuse to touch the leftover turkey.

A piece of cheesy casserole is being lifted out of a metal baking pan with a spatula. Reminiscent of a Texas French Toast Casserole, it's topped with melted cheese and herbs. A portion is missing, revealing its creamy interior. A white plate is positioned nearby, ready for serving.

That’s where this Texas French toast casserole saves the day! It takes those turkey leftovers and gives them new life in a dish that feels completely different from the usual holiday fare. This savory french toast casserole is something unexpected, something new, something that turns leftover turkey into a fun and exciting breakfast option.

Ingredient Highlight: Leftover Turkey

Ingredients for a dish are arranged on a surface, including a box of gluten-free Texas French toast, shredded cheese, whole eggs, sliced chicken, green onions, jalapeños, cream, a block of cream cheese, and seasonings in a bowl.

In this dish, diced cooked turkey breast is the star. Turkey’s mild flavor pairs perfectly with creamy cheese, herbs, and a hint of heat from jalapeño. Using leftovers like this not only helps reduce waste, it adds a hearty, protein-rich twist to classic comfort food. And honestly, once your family tastes it, no one will believe it started as yesterday’s dinner.

Turkey is endlessly versatile. We’ve loved it in recipes like our crispy air fryer turkey thighs or baked turkey tenders for quick weeknight meals.

Want even more ways to use turkey creatively? Try our Hearty Turkey Bolognese—it’s another comfort food classic that proves turkey deserves a spot at the table year-round.

Directions to Make French Toast Casserole

Prepare the Base

A hand is carefully placing slices of gluten-free Texas French toast in a square baking pan. The pan rests on a gray surface, while in the background, there's a package labeled "New York Bakery Gluten Free Texas Toast with Real Garlic.

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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the thickly cut bread slices in a single layer in the prepared dish.

Mix the Filling

A hand holds a spoon, gently stirring a white bowl filled with a creamy mixture of shredded cabbage and green herbs, evoking the rich textures you'd find in Texas French toast. The bowl rests on a light gray surface.

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth with a whisk. Add the shredded cheese, eggs, milk, turkey, green onions, jalapeno (if using), garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Assemble and Bake

A person holds a square baking dish filled with uncooked casserole ingredients like rice, cheese, and vegetables, reminiscent of the hearty flavors found in Texas French toast. The dish rests elegantly on a textured gray surface.

A square baking dish filled with a savory creation topped with melted cheese and green herbs. With a golden-brown surface reminiscent of perfectly cooked Texas French toast, the dish sits invitingly on a textured gray surface.

Pour the cheese and turkey mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure each piece is well coated. After you soak the bread, bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and the top is golden and bubbly. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Instructions for Texas French Toast Casserole

Store any leftover french toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

A savory baked casserole sits in a rectangular metal dish, its browned top hinting at melted cheese and herbs with a whisper of a creamier interior, much like a hearty Texas French toast. A generous slice lies invitingly on a white plate beside it.

Top Tips for Easy French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey

Garnish with fresh herbs or additional green onions for extra color and freshness.
Use day-old bread for better texture, as it absorbs the egg mixture without becoming too soggy.
For a bolder flavor, experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda.

A Texas twist on a classic, this casserole dish is filled with baked mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese and herbs. A hand uses a spatula to serve a portion, revealing a golden, slightly crispy surface with flecks of green. Perfect comfort food for any occasion!.

Recipe

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A spatula lifts a piece of baked casserole from a metal baking dish, revealing layers reminiscent of Texas French Toast. The dish features a browned, cheesy top, visible herbs, and a dense filling that's irresistible.

Texas French Toast Casserole with Leftover Turkey

Texas French toast casserole is a hearty, cheesy twist on the breakfast classic, using thick slices of bread that soak up a savory mixture of eggs, cheese, and turkey. This version, packed with Thanksgiving leftovers, transforms holiday remnants into a comforting meal. It’s perfect for post-holiday mornings when everyone craves something cozy and satisfying.

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Keyword: texas french toast

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 50

Servings:

Calories: 269kcal

Author: Ksenia Prints

Ingredients

1 (11 ½ ounce) package of 1-inch cut bread
¾ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
¾ cup cream cheese, softened
3 large eggs
¾ cup milk
1 ½ cups diced cooked turkey breast
⅓ cup chopped green onions (or chives)
1 diced jalapeno, optional
1 chopped garlic clove
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your favorite herbs)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Place the thickly cut bread slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, sliced turkey, chopped green onions, jalapeno, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Pour the cheese and turkey mixture evenly over the French toast slices, ensuring they are well coated.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious turkey and cheese French toast bake!