There's something irresistibly cozy about waking up to a warm, sweet breakfast baked to perfection. This Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole Recipe brings together soft challah, rich custard, and a touch of melty chocolate for a morning treat that's both comforting and special.

A white plate holds several thick, golden-brown pieces of bread pudding, layered unevenly with a soft, spongy texture visible inside. Scattered pecans rest on and around the pudding, adding a crunchy contrast. A woman's hand pours amber syrup from a small glass jar over the bread pudding, creating shiny, flowing streams that catch the light. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork resting nearby and a white dish filled with more bread pudding in the background. 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 Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely enthusiastic about this casserole because it takes the classic French toast you love and transforms it into an effortless, grab-and-go crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for brunch or holiday mornings when you want something cozy without the fuss.

Wonderfully Fuss-Free: You prep it the night before, which means less morning rushing and more relaxing.
Delicious Flavor Harmony: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and chocolate chips creates a warm, inviting taste.
Textural Delight: The crunchy pecan topping adds the perfect contrast to the soft, custardy bread inside.
Feeds a Crowd: This casserole easily serves 8 to 12, making it ideal for family gatherings or brunch parties.

A white rectangular dish filled with a layered bread dessert made of golden brown bread pieces that are toasted and soft inside. The chunks of bread are piled together, some shiny from syrup or butter, and scattered with small pieces of pecans that add a crunchy texture. The bread shows a mix of light yellow, golden, and deep brown tones. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spiced flavors. Using day-old challah bread ensures the casserole soaks up the custard without getting mushy, plus the mix of warming spices enhances the chocolate chips beautifully.

Flat lay of a small loaf of challah bread cut into 1-inch cubes, five large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of chopped pecans, and a small white bowl of golden maple syrup, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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

Challah Bread: Its sturdy yet fluffy texture holds up well overnight soaking, preventing sogginess.
Eggs: The protein-rich base that creates the custard binding everything together.
Milk: Gives creaminess and moisture; whole or 2% milk works best for richness.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes that complement chocolate chips nicely.
Vanilla Extract: Boosts sweetness and depth without overpowering.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic spices that bring warmth and a hint of holiday cheer.
Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil: For richness both inside and in the topping, plus a golden crust.
Pecans: Offer crunch and a toasty nuttiness against the soft, sweet casserole.
Chocolate Chips: Melt throughout to add pockets of gooey indulgence in every bite.
Maple Syrup: Classic finishing touch for that perfect sweet drizzle.

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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 things about this Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it. I like switching up the nuts or even tossing in some dried fruit for seasonal flair—trust me, it brightens up the whole dish.

Nut Variation: I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts or almonds and loved the different textures and flavors they bring.
Chocolate Type: Dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips work, so pick your favorite to make it your own.
Dairy-Free Swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond or oat milk instead of dairy for a tasty allergy-friendly version.
Extra Flavor: Adding a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of almond extract can create a lovely twist when you want to impress guests.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Butter Up and Cube the Bread

Start by greasing your baking dish well with unsalted butter or coconut oil — this not only prevents sticking but adds lovely richness to the edges. Then cut your day-old challah into 1-inch cubes, aiming for uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. I always take a moment here to smell the spices—such an inviting aroma ready to soak into that bread! Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing lightly so they absorb all that goodness.

Step 3: Let It Soak — Overnight or Quick

For best results, cover the dish and pop it in the fridge overnight — this gives the bread time to soak up the custard and develop rich flavor. If you’re short on time, letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes works fine too, just be sure the bread is well coated and soft before baking.

Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake

Before baking, drizzle the melted butter over the casserole, then sprinkle on the brown sugar and chopped pecans evenly. Cover with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes until the topping is beautifully browned and the custard is mostly set.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes—this helps the custard finish setting and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with plenty of maple syrup drizzled over the top.

Top Tip

Through many Sunday brunches, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make sure your Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole Recipe comes out perfect every time. These tips saved me from soggy casseroles and undercooked middles more than once!

Use Day-Old Bread: Fresh bread can get too mushy, but day-old challah soaks in the custard just right.
Don't Skip the Rest: Whether overnight or 30 minutes, letting the bread absorb the custard makes all the difference.
Cover While Baking: The foil trap keeps moisture in so your casserole stays soft without drying out.
Try the Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick when baking uncovered; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs — that's your cue it’s perfect.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole Recipe

chocolate chip french toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving—it looks charming and adds a gentle sweetness. Fresh berries on the side brighten the plate and balance the richness. Plus, a flamboyant dollop of whipped cream doesn't hurt if you're celebrating something special!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple fruit salad to cut through the richness. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage on the side adds a salty contrast that we all love, especially on chilly mornings.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday mornings, I've layered this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra pecans and a mini scoop of vanilla ice cream—fancy and fun! Another idea is to drizzle flavored syrups (like caramel or raspberry) alongside the traditional maple for a splash of color and variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to keep the texture intact without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works well if you wrap it tightly in foil and then plastic wrap. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and pop it in the oven the next morning. Just expect a slightly softer texture than freshly baked, but it still tastes fantastic.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend warming individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes—it keeps that crisp pecan topping intact better than the microwave. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave will do, just check frequently to avoid rubbery edges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bread other than challah for this casserole?

Yes! While challah is ideal for its texture and richness, you can substitute brioche or a sturdy white bread. Avoid very soft or pre-sliced sandwich bread as it may become too mushy.

How far in advance can I prepare the casserole?

Ideally, prepare it the night before, allowing it to soak overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures maximum absorption of the custard and fuller flavor. It can also be prepped a few hours ahead if needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute butter with coconut oil and use your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. The flavor is just as delicious and the texture remains great.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

Look for a browned topping with a crisp pecan crust and mostly set custard inside. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip French Toast Casserole Recipe holds a special place on my weekend breakfast table. It’s that perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, simple to make yet impressive to serve. I truly hope you give it a try—you might find it becoming your new go-to for cozy mornings with friends and family.