Texas French Toast Casserole has become my absolute go-to for transforming leftover holiday turkey into something truly magical. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma of cinnamon and savory turkey filled my kitchen, and my family devoured it in minutes! It’s honestly the easiest way to create a memorable meal, perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a comforting weeknight dinner. This delicious Texas Breakfast Casserole French Toast is so satisfying, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Texas French Toast Casserole

You’ll absolutely adore this Texas French Toast Casserole for so many reasons:

It boasts an incredible savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that’s incredibly satisfying.
The prep time is remarkably quick, making it perfect for busy mornings.
It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey, making it budget-friendly.
This Overnight Texas French Toast Casserole is incredibly family-friendly and a crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy the rich, custardy texture with every bite.
The make-ahead nature of this Overnight Texas French Toast Casserole means less stress on busy days.
It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Texas French Toast Casserole Ingredients

Here are the essential Texas French Toast Casserole ingredients you’ll need to create this delightful dish. Using slightly stale Texas toast is key; if yours is fresh, simply cube it and let it sit out for a few hours, or toast it lightly. This helps the bread absorb the custard without becoming mushy.

1 loaf (approx. 20-24 oz) Texas Toast, cut into 1-inch cubes – about 8-10 cups, the heart of the casserole
3 cups cooked leftover turkey, shredded or diced – a savory base
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – for sautéing the vegetables
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped – about 1 cup, adds sweetness
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped – about 1 cup, for color and a hint of sweetness
8 large eggs – the binder for our rich custard
2 ½ cups whole milk – for a creamy custard
½ cup heavy cream – adds richness and depth
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – for a subtle tang
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – adds umami
1 teaspoon dried sage – complements the turkey beautifully
½ teaspoon dried thyme – another herb that pairs well with savory dishes
1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
½ teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of spice
2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – divided, for melty goodness
1 cup Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded – for extra creamy flavor
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped – for a fresh garnish

How to Make Texas French Toast Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Texas French Toast Casserole. It’s easier than you think!

Step 1: Prepare the Bread. If your Texas toast is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to dry them slightly. Alternatively, you can just leave them out on the counter for several hours. This crucial step ensures the bread absorbs the custard without becoming soggy, leading to the best texture for your French toast bake.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics. Melt the 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped, and the 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, until they soften and the onion becomes translucent. The kitchen will start to smell amazing! Remove from heat and let them cool a bit.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 8 large eggs until they are well-beaten and have a uniform color. Then, whisk in the 2 ½ cups whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce until everything is thoroughly combined. Add the 1 teaspoon dried sage, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper, and whisk again to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the dried bread cubes evenly across the bottom. This is the base for your amazing Texas French Toast Casserole.
Step 5: Layer the Fillings. Sprinkle the 3 cups cooked leftover turkey evenly over the bread cubes. Top the turkey with the sautéed onion and bell pepper mixture. Now, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the sharp cheddar cheese and all of the Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese over the vegetables and turkey.
Step 6: Complete the Assembly. Add the remaining bread cubes on top of the cheese layer, creating the second layer of bread for this delightful bake.
Step 7: Pour and Soak. Slowly and evenly pour the prepared egg custard over the entire casserole. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spatula to help them submerge and absorb all that delicious liquid. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 8: Rest (The Most Important Step!). Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This resting period is key to how to make Texas French Toast Casserole perfect, as it allows the bread to fully soak up the savory custard, ensuring a wonderfully tender texture.
Step 9: Bake the Casserole. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off. This helps it bake more evenly.
Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection. Remove the plastic wrap/foil. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know your Texas French Toast Casserole is ready when the center is set (a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean), the edges are bubbling, and the top is beautifully golden brown and crusty.
Step 11: Rest and Garnish. Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set up properly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving your masterpiece.

Texas French Toast Casserole: Amazing Dinner - Texas French Toast Casserole - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Texas French Toast Casserole

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure this casserole turns out perfectly every time:

Using day-old or slightly stale Texas toast is crucial. If your bread is fresh, cube it and leave it out on the counter for a few hours or toast it lightly in the oven to dry it out. This prevents a soggy bottom.
Don’t overmix the custard ingredients; just whisk until they are combined. Over-whisking can incorporate too much air, which might affect the final texture.
Allowing the casserole to rest overnight is truly the secret. It gives the bread ample time to soak up all the delicious custard, resulting in a tender, flavorful bite.

What’s the secret to a perfect Texas French Toast Casserole?

The absolute secret to a perfect Texas French Toast Casserole is the overnight soak. This allows the bread to fully absorb the rich custard, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful, not dry or crumbly. It’s what elevates this dish from good to truly amazing.

Can I make Texas French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! That’s the beauty of an Overnight Texas French Toast Casserole. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit out for about 20-30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Texas French Toast Casserole?

The biggest mistake is using fresh bread, which leads to a soggy casserole. Always ensure your bread is stale or dried out. Another pitfall is not letting the assembled casserole rest long enough. For a great Leftover bread Texas French Toast Casserole, patience is key!

Texas French Toast Casserole: Amazing Dinner - Texas French Toast Casserole - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Texas French Toast Casserole

This versatile casserole is fantastic for so many occasions! For a classic weekend brunch, I love pairing it with a fresh fruit salad and some crispy bacon or sausage. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a relaxed Texas French Toast Casserole for brunch gathering. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside some roasted sweet potatoes or a simple green salad. It also makes a wonderful breakfast-for-dinner option, especially when you have leftover turkey to use up!

Nutrition Facts for Texas French Toast Casserole

Here’s a nutritional breakdown for this delicious Texas French Toast Casserole, calculated per serving. Remember, these are estimates, and your actual values might vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes.

Calories: 450-550 kcal
Fat: N/A
Saturated Fat: N/A
Protein: N/A
Carbohydrates: N/A
Fiber: N/A
Sugar: N/A
Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Texas French Toast Casserole

You’ve made a fantastic Texas French Toast Casserole, and lucky for you, it stores and reheats beautifully! Once it has cooled down completely, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store the leftover casserole in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it super convenient to Make Texas French Toast Casserole whenever the craving strikes!

To reheat, if it’s refrigerated, simply place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 60-90 seconds, or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, you can reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly golden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas French Toast Casserole

What is Texas French Toast Casserole?

A Texas French Toast Casserole is essentially a baked French toast dish made with thick-cut bread, often Texas toast, soaked in a rich custard and baked until golden. It’s a hearty, savory, and comforting breakfast or brunch option that’s perfect for using up leftovers like turkey or cheese.

Can I use different types of bread for Texas French Toast Casserole?

While Texas toast is ideal for its thick slices and sturdy texture, you can certainly use other thick-cut breads like ciabatta, brioche, or even a sturdy white bread. The key is to ensure the bread is a day or two old, or lightly toasted, so it can absorb the custard without becoming mushy.

What are some good flavor additions to this Texas Breakfast Casserole French Toast?

You can customize this Texas French Toast Casserole with various additions! Consider adding cooked crumbled sausage or bacon along with the turkey for extra flavor. For a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of maple syrup before baking or a sprinkle of cinnamon in the custard can be lovely. Chopped green chilies can also add a nice kick! For more information on flavor pairings, check out these recipe ideas.

How long does it take to bake a Texas French Toast Casserole?

Typically, a Texas French Toast Casserole bakes for about 45-55 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean, and the top is beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy. Letting it rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set up properly. For tips on cooking vegetables like onions and peppers, which are key aromatics, consider these guides.

Variations of Texas French Toast Casserole You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Texas French Toast Casserole, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few ideas to shake things up:

Sweet Texas French Toast Casserole: For a sweeter take, reduce the savory elements like Dijon and Worcestershire sauce. Increase the milk and cream slightly, add a tablespoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the custard, and swap the cheddar for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack or a cream cheese blend. Top with a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking for a delightful caramelization.
Savory Texas French Toast Casserole: Lean into the savory side by adding cooked crumbled sausage or bacon along with the turkey. You can also mix in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Consider using a sharp white cheddar or even a Parmesan cheese blend for an extra punch of flavor. A dash of hot sauce in the custard can also add a nice kick.
Vegetarian Texas French Toast Casserole: Skip the turkey and load up on veggies! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach make a fantastic filling. You could also add cubes of roasted sweet potato or butternut squash for a heartier vegetarian option.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables for a bit of heat that complements the cheese and turkey beautifully.