Ready to switch up your breakfast routine with something new? This gluten free french toast casserole is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s super easy to make which is why it’s perfect for those busy mornings or lazy weekends.
Like my bircher muesli or gluten-free pop-tarts, this recipe can be made ahead of time. Prepare it a day or two before, store in the fridge, and simply pop it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat. A great way to get breakfast on the table before school starts.
One of the best things about this recipe is that you won’t need any fancy or hard-to-find items. Just your basic french toast ingredients and a loaf of gluten-free bread will work just fine.
Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to something new, this gluten-free French toast casserole will become a new family favorite. Plus, it’s so delicious nobody will ever know it’s gluten-free.
Why this french toast casserole is the best
- It’s made with white chocolate and cranberries for a unique, yet delicious flavor.
- You can meal prep it ahead of time and serve when ready.
- There’s a variety of different toppings and add-ins you can choose from to make it your own
- It’s seriously so, so easy to make with simple ingredients and simple steps
What you’ll need for this easy breakfast recipe
- Butter – Unsalted or salter butter will work just fine. If you’d like to make this recipe dairy-free, swap with vegan butter or melted coconut oil.
- Sugar – Brown sugar tastes best in this recipe. However, you can swap with coconut sugar in a pinch.
- Toppings – I like to use cranberries and white chocolate chips but you’re welcome to use whatever you like.
- Bread – See below for bread recommendations.
- Milk – Regular milk or a dairy-free milk like almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk will work. Be careful if your milk of choice is sweetened or not as it may alter the taste.
- Eggs
Which gluten-free bread works best?
Any kind of gluten-free bread works for this recipe but Canyon Bakehouse is the only GF store brought bread we trust and buy. It’s the same bread we use to make our delicious cinnamon roll French toast casserole in the Instant Pot and our gluten-free eggs Benedict casserole. It works so well in recipes!
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They have a great variety of breads including…
- Hawaiian Sweet
- Country White
- Ancient Grain
- 7 Grain
- Cinnamon Raisin
- French bread
- Honey Oat and more!
If you are more of a sourdough fan, our gluten-free sourdough bread makes a great option as well. You can use it in our French toast bites or sourdough French toast as well.
How to make gluten-free French toast casserole
Step 1 and 2: Prepare
Cut the bread into small cubes then prepare your pan with melted butter and sugar.
Step 3 and 4: Throw it together
Add bread and half or the cranberries, or desired fruit, into the baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly.
Step 5: Pour
Pour egg mixture over bread cubes and make sure it’s submerged in the mixture.
Step 6: Final touches
Sprinkle with remaining cranberries, or toppings of choice, and some white chocolate chips. Bake until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Add another layer of white chocolate chips right when the casserole comes out of the oven for extra decadence and a beautiful presentation.
Tips for best results
- Let rest – After assembling the casserole, place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This way, the custard mixture has time to soak into the bread giving you a moist and extra flavorful casserole.
- Don’t skimp on the add-ins – Whether you’re using cranberries and chocolate chips, fresh strawberries, peanut butter chips, chia seeds, chopped nuts, etc. don’t be afraid to add more. The casserole will look and taste better with more toppings.
- Top it off – Serve with pure maple syrup, a drizzle of honey, some whipped cream, greek yogurt, etc. for more flavor.
- Stale bread – If your favorite bread has gone stale, you can use it in this french toast casserole recipe. Stale bread actually works better than fresh bread because it’s able to absorb more egg custard.
Storage
Storing – Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 2-3 days. It’s best to wait until your casserole is room temperature before covering to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Freezing – You can freeze this casserole after it’s been coo ked and cooled. Place individual portions into ziplock baggies and freeze for easy, single serving breakfasts. You can also freeze the whole casserole for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake when ready to eat.
How do you reheat French toast casserole?
To reheat, leave the tinfoil on and bake until warm at 350 degrees. It takes about 10 minutes. You can also heat it up in the microwave. Sprinkle with more fresh white chocolate chips once it’s heated up and ready to serve again.
More gluten free breakfast recipes you’ll love
- My gluten-free breakfast casserole is another meal-prep breakfast recipe that the kids always love.
- These reindeer pancakes are perfect for Christmas morning or special occasions.
- If you’re feeding a crowd, try this delicious and aesthetically pleasing pancake charcuterie board which is great with our gluten free crepes on it as well.
- Strawberry baked oats are another healthy, yet sweet breakfast option that will keep you satisfied until lunchtime.
- Cinnamon roll muffins are semi homemade and so tasty!
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Gluten Free French Toast Casserole
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, divided
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, divided
- 1 loaf gluten-free bread Canyon Bakehouse is our go-to
- 2 cup milk
- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Cut gluten-free bread (Canyon Bakeouse works great) into cubes
- Melt butter in 9×13 pan then sprinkle with brown sugar
- Top with half the cranberries
- Evenly spread bread cubes on top of the cranberries
- Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and allspice into a large bowl
- Pour egg mixture over bread cubes and press down so each is submerged at least for a minute
- Sprinkle with remaining cranberries and half the white chocolate chips
- After done baking, top with remaining white chocolate chips
Notes
Tips for best results
- Let rest – After assembling the casserole, place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This way, the custard mixture has time to soak into the bread giving you a moist and extra flavorful casserole.
- Don’t skimp on the add-ins – Whether you’re using cranberries and chocolate chips, fresh strawberries, peanut butter chips, chia seeds, chopped nuts, etc. don’t be afraid to add more. The casserole will look and taste better with more toppings.
- Top it off – Serve with pure maple syrup, a drizzle of honey, some whipped cream, greek yogurt, etc. for more flavor.
- Stale bread – If your favorite bread has gone stale, you can use it in this french toast casserole recipe. Stale bread actually works better than fresh bread because it’s able to absorb more egg custard.
Mira V says
I love how fast this could be made! I love anything with fresh cranberries, especially around the holidays!
Karol says
That looks so good! And very festive and pretty.
Susan says
I’m going to try the df version! Yum!
Chandice says
Yay, you will love it!
Beth B says
Looks so good! And pretty for Christmas time.
Manda Shank says
I love the cranberries
Chandice says
Aren’t they the best!?
Sheri Kempke says
Hey Chandice–how ya doing?
This recipe looks terrific, going to have to give it a try. I’m a huge fan of Canyon Ranch bread, use it daily.
Chandice says
Hi Sheri!! I am great and I hope you are as well 🙂 It is the best bread and I can’t wait to hear how you love the recipe! Thanks for being here.
Jackie Angers says
This looks very tasty!
Kelly D says
I like that this recipe looks sweet and delicious.
Tim says
With the exception of the cranberries, this recipe uses common ingredients that most of us keep in our cupboard anyway. Good recipes need simple and readily available ingredients, and this recipe meets that.
Chandice says
Aww thanks Tim, we aim for that!
Kim says
I think cranberries are a great addition they would help cut the sweetness and give it a little tart
April says
I love that you are using fresh cranberries! I think they are underrated. I also love that you are pairing them with white chocolate.
Annette says
French toast is my favorite breakfast that mom used to make. I love the white chocolate in this one!
Georgiana says
I’m a fan of cranberries and love this for the holidays.
Denise M says
Definitely white chocolate chips, i am a huge fan
Paula Decaria says
I never thought to add white chocolate to a french toast casserole, this recipe looks so tasty!
Patricia E says
I love that the cranberries could possibly be substituted with a different berry to continue using this recipe throughout the year.
Emily H says
I love that you can prep it the night before & bake it in the AM
Ray says
White chocolate and fresh cranberries sound delicious in this Christmas recipe.
Maryann D. says
I love that this recipe Gluten-Free French Toast Casserole with White Chocolate and Cranberries seems so tasty and different for me to try. Of course the white chocolate chips makes it even better!
Renata S says
I love the addition of fresh cranberries to this recipe as it adds such a festive flair!