Clicky
Food Meanderings
menu icon
subscribe
search icon
×
Get my FREE Award winning e-book →

Baileys French Toast Casserole

5 from 7 votes

Published: by · Modified: · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 21 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Sharing is caring!

St. Patrick's Day is coming and if you're wondering what to make, this Baileys Irish Cream French Toast Casserole makes a really great St. Patrick's Day breakfast or brunch potluck dish. I'd even eat it for dessert; it's that good!

Best Overnight French Toast Casserole

It may be the Baileys talking but this is the best French toast casserole I've ever had! But Baileys makes everything better, doesn't it? This Bailey's French toast recipe is a decadent French Toast that's perfect for St. Patrick's Day breakfast or brunch, Christmas morning brunch, Mother's Day brunch, any holiday brunch for that matter, or special occasions!

Jump to:

Be sure to check these breakfast potluck recipes, if you're looking for more!

if you love Baileys Irish Cream, check out these 10 Baileys Irish Cream Desserts you need in your life!

This Baileys French Toast Casserole is the perfect St. Patrick's day breakfast or brunch dish for a potluck. (Non-alcoholic substitute included.) I brought it to a work breakfast potluck and it was well-loved!

🥘Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed for Baileys French Toast Casserole in glass bowls, labelled.
  • Bread. I recommend Texas Toast or Brioche You can also use Irish soda bread, or a thick French bread. *If you are using Brioche, because it is a sweeter bread, you can cut the brown sugar by 1-2 tbsp. *I use Texas Toast or Brioche.
  • Bailey's Irish Cream. You can substitute Baileys coffee creamer or Irish Cream (non-alcoholic).
  • Maple syrup. I use light/ low sugar maple syrup, but you can use regular or table syrup.
  • Powdered sugar. This is also known as confectioners' sugar or icing sugar.
  • Green sprinkles (optional). I use green sparkling sugar.

*See recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities

Bailey's Irish Cream Overnight French Toast Casserole

📖 Variations & Substitutions

  • Non- alcoholic substitute for Baileys Irish Cream: The fact that some of the alcohol remains could be of significant concern to recovering alcoholics, some parents, and others who have ethical or religious reasons for avoiding alcohol. Baileys Coffee Creamer (affiliate link) is the perfect non-alcoholic substitute for the alcohol in this recipe!
  • Toppings: optional toppings are chocolate, caramel sauce or syrup.
  • Irish Cream: you could use homemade Irish cream, if you prefer.

What I love about overnight baked French toast casserole is that it's so easy; that is what makes it the best Baileys French Toast!

It only takes a few minutes to prep the night before, then pop it in the oven when you get up and you have an amazing breakfast or brunch. However, when I brought it to work, I made it a day ahead and then reheated it.

🔪How to Baileys French Toast Casserole

PREP: Generously spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.

1st layer of bread added to the casserole dish
  1. Step 1: Arrange slices of bread in a 9 X 13-inch baking dish (3 inches in depth) in 2 rows, overlapping the slices in a casserole dish. * You'll have 12 pieces (I did not use end pieces) so you'll do 2 rows of 3 on the bottom.
2nd row of bread added to casserole dish.
  1. Step 2: Then repeat and add another layer of bread on top of the first layer.
Liquid ingredients in medium glass bowl.
  1. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half cream, Baileys Irish Cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and maple syrup.
Liquid ingredients whisked together in large glass bowl with metal whisk.
  1. Step 4: Then beat with a whisk until blended thoroughly.
Liquid ingredients being poured over bread in casserole dish.
  1. Step 5: Pour the mixture over the bread slices.
Bread soaked with liquid mixture.
  1. Step 6: Make sure to get some in between the layers, evenly soaking the bread. Alternatively, you could take off the 2nd layer, pour half, add the second layer, and pour the other half. I usually just lift and pour.
French Toast casserole covered with foil.
  1. Step 7: Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours) * I recommend that you spray the underside of the foil with non-stick cooking spray so it doesn't stick to your French toast casserole while baking.
Baked Baileys French Toast Casserole garnished with whipped cream, cinnamon and powdered sugar.
  1. Step 8:The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F/176 degrees C. Remove from refrigerator, leave the foil on and let it sit out on the counter while you preheat the oven. Then bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. *It's important that you have a VERY tight seal of foil to prevent the bread from becoming soggy (you may want to add a 2nd layer of foil). After baking for an hour with the foil on, remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes uncovered until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let stand uncovered for 5-10 minutes before garnishing and serving. Sprinkle additional cinnamon and powdered sugar on top, then top with dollops of whipped cream and add green sprinkles/sparkling sugar, if desired.  Serve with additional maple syrup and whipped cream!

Recipe Tips

  • Best Bread: Thick, sturdy bread like Brioche, Texas Toast, or French bread works best. Avoid regular sandwich bread, as it will become too mushy.
  • Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better, preventing a soggy texture. If your bread is really fresh and soft, you can lightly toast it in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes before assembling or leave it out to dry overnight.
  • Even Soaking: Make sure the bread is fully soaked by gently pressing it down after pouring the custard mixture. If needed, lift the slices to allow liquid to reach every layer.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs, cream, maple syrup and Baileys sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before combining. This helps the ingredients blend and bond together so you won't end up with soggy patches on your french toast.
  • Flavor Boost: Let the casserole sit for at least 8 hours (overnight) to allow the flavors to develop fully.
  • No Overmixing: Whisk the custard mixture until just combined—overmixing can incorporate too much air, making the texture less creamy.
  • Cover Tightly: Ensure a very tight foil seal when baking to prevent the casserole from drying out. Spraying the foil with non-stick spray prevents sticking.
  • Let the casserole sit at room temperature. While you are preheating the oven in the morning, let the casseorle sit at room temperature. This will help
  • Double Baking Time Check: Oven temperatures can vary—test for doneness by inserting a knife in the center. If it comes out clean and the top is golden brown, it’s done.
  • Crispier Top: If you prefer a crispier top, bake without the foil for 15 minutes instead of 10 minutes.
  • Reheat for Best Texture: While the microwave works in a pinch, reheating in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10-15 minutes will help maintain the crispiness.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: If making in advance, bake it fully, then let it cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat as needed before serving.
  • Garnish Smartly: Sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon just before serving to keep the flavors fresh.
  • Syrup Alternatives: Instead of traditional maple syrup, try a Baileys-infused whipped cream or a chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
Best overnight french toast casserole - Bailey's Irish Cream St. Patrick's Day

🥗 What to serve with French Toast Casserole

This Baileys Irish Cream goes great with bacon, air fryer turkey sausage, fresh berries or a fresh fruit salad! (shown below).

easy fruit salad in white bowl with honey lime dressing being poured over salad

👪 Serving Size

This Baileys French Toast makes 12 servings (at ½ square of French toast each). This is ideal for a potluck where there are other dishes. If you are only serving this French toast, you may want to serve a whole squares (2 slices) . However, you can half, double or triple the recipe by clicking on the serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust. If you half it, use a smaller casserole dish and if you double it, use 2 casserole dishes.

🌡️Storing & Reheating

Store: You can store this Irish Cream French Toast recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days after making it. You can also make it a couple of days in advance. *If you are making it in advance, I would suggest you bake it in a casserole dish, allow it to cool, then use Glad Press N' Seal to cover it until you are going to serve it (if you don't have a lid for your casserole dish). You can easily transport it like this to wherever you are serving it (this is what I do for work breakfast potlucks)

Reheat: Place in microwave (make sure your casserole dish is microwave safe!) and heat until warmed (about 5 minutes, depending on the power of the microwave). Then add whipped topping and sprinkles. You can also heat it in the oven at 350 degrees F/176 degrees F, covered for 15 minutes.

❔Recipe FAQ's

Does cooking alcohol remove alcohol?

The short answer is NO. Cooking does not necessarily remove alcohol. Although much of the alcohol evaporates during the cooking process, it depends on how much you use, the cooking process (when you add the alcohol), and the cooking time. 

What is the best bread for French Toast Casserole?

Irish soda bread, thick French bread, Brioche bread, or Texas Toast is the best bread to use for this Baileys French toast casserole because you need it to be thick enough to absorb the liquid and not disintegrate.

Can I make this without refrigerating it overnight?

Yes, but the texture may not be as rich. Letting it sit overnight allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid. If you're short on time, let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking.

How do I prevent my French toast casserole from being soggy?

Ensure you have a tight foil seal while baking to prevent excess moisture. If your bread is very fresh and soft, leave it out to dry overnight or use day-old bread so it absorbs the liquid better without becoming mushy.

So, if you're looking for an easy, fun, and delicious Baileys French toast recipe for your next brunch or St. Patrick's Day recipe, give this a Baileys Overnight French Toast Casserole a try!

And if you love French toast, give my French Toast Sandwich with Raspberry Cream a try!

Raspberry French Toast Sandwich cut in half on a black plate, with fork on plate

🍲More Breakfast Potluck Ideas

Did your family❤️this recipe? Did you know that commenting and⭐rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite recipe creators? If you LOVED this recipe, please comment and rate it in the recipe card or share photos on social media using the hashtag #foodmeanderings or tagging @foodmeanderings !

bailey's French Toast Casserole in white and orange dish with bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream in the background

📋 Baileys French Toast Casserole Recipe

This Baileys Irish Cream French Toast Casserole is an overnight casserole that's the perfect St. Patrick's day breakfast or brunch dish for any holiday or potluck. This Bailey's French Toast can also be made non-alcoholic (substitute included).
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Save Recipe Rate
Course: Breakfast, brunch
Cuisine: American
Special Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 487kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Refrigeration: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 25 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf Brioche,, Texas toast, Brioche, thick French bread Irish soda bread. (12 slices)
  • 6 large eggs
  • ¾ cup half-and-half cream
  • ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream *substitute Baileys coffee creamer Irish Cream (non-alcoholic)
  • 4 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup maple syrup

Garnish

  • powdered sugar
  • additional cinnamon
  • whipped cream
  • green sprinkles (optional)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Generously spray a casserole dish with non- stick cooking spray. Arrange slices of bread in a 9 X 13-inch flat baking dish in 2 rows, overlapping the slices in a casserole dish. * You'll have 12 pieces (I did not use end pieces) so you'll do 2 rows of 3 on the bottom, then repeat on the top.
    1 loaf Brioche,, Texas toast, Brioche, thick French bread Irish soda bread.
  • In a large bowl, combine the eggs, half-and-half cream, Baileys Irish Cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and maple syrup. Then beat with a whisk until blended thoroughly. 
    6 large eggs, ¾ cup half-and-half cream, ½ cup Baileys Irish Cream, 4 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pour half the mixture over the first layer of bread slices. Then pour the other half of the mixture over the second layer of bread slices.
  • Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours) * I recommend that you spray the underside of the foil with non-stick cooking spray so it doesn't stick to your french toast casserole while baking .
  • The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees F/176 degrees C. While the oven is heating up, remove the casserole from the fridge, leave the foil on and let it sit on the counter while the oven heats.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.
    *It's important that you have a VERY tight seal of aluminum foil to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. You may need to add a second layer of foil.
  • Then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes uncovered until lightly browned.
  • Remove from oven and let stand uncovered for 5 minutes before garnishing and serving.

Garnish:

  • Sprinkle additional cinnamon and powdered sugar on top, top with dollops of whipped cream and add green sprinkles/sparkling sugar, if desired. 
    powdered sugar, additional cinnamon, whipped cream, green sprinkles (optional)
  • Serve with additional maple syrup and whipped cream!

Notes

*Note: The original recipe had more liquid and eggs than this version. I hadn't made it in about 7 years and it turned out soggy when I made it. After some research (thank you Reddit! ), I finally realized that when originally made the recipe, there were 14 pieces of bread (plus end pieces) in a loaf of bread and now this are only 12 pieces in a loaf (not including the end pieces, which I don't use anyway because they are not thick enough). Therefore, I had to cut back on the liquid and eggs.
This is referred to as Shrinkflation. It's a form of inflation, most common in food and beverage, that consists of reducing a product's size while maintaining its retail price. 
Recipe Tips:
    • Best Bread: Thick, sturdy bread like Brioche, Texas Toast, or French bread works best. Avoid regular sandwich bread, as it will become too mushy.
    • Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture better, preventing a soggy texture. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes before assembling or leave it out to dry overnight.
    • Even Soaking: Make sure the bread is fully soaked by gently pressing it down after pouring the custard mixture. If needed, lift the slices to allow liquid to reach every layer.
    • Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs, cream, maple syrup and Baileys sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before combining. This helps the ingredients bond together.
    • Flavor Boost: Let the casserole sit for at least 8 hours (overnight) to allow the flavors to develop fully.
    • No Overmixing: Whisk the custard mixture until just combined—overmixing can incorporate too much air, making the texture less creamy.
    • Cover Tightly: Ensure a very tight foil seal when baking to prevent the casserole from drying out. Spraying the foil with non-stick spray prevents sticking.
    • Let the casserole sit at room temperature. While you are preheating the oven in the morning, let the casseorle sit at room temperature. This will help
    • Double Baking Time Check: Oven temperatures can vary—test for doneness by inserting a knife in the center. If it comes out clean and the top is golden brown, it’s done. 
    • Crispier Top: If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes instead of 10 minutes.
    • Reheat for Best Texture: While the microwave works in a pinch, reheating in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10-15 minutes will help maintain the crispiness.
    • Make-Ahead Tip: If making in advance, bake it fully, then let it cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat as needed before serving.
    • Garnish Smartly: Sprinkle powdered sugar and cinnamon just before serving to keep the flavors fresh.
    • Syrup Alternatives: Instead of traditional maple syrup, try a Baileys-infused whipped cream or a chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
Storing & Reheating
Store: You can store this recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days after making it. You can also make it a couple of days in advance. *If you are making it in advance, I would suggest you bake it in a casserole dish, allow it to cool, then use Glad Press N' Seal to cover it until you are going to serve it (if you don't have a lid for your casserole dish). You can easily transport it like this to wherever you are serving it (this is what I do for work breakfast potlucks)
Reheat: Place in microwave (make sure your casserole dish is microwave safe!) and heat until warmed (about 5 minutes, depending on the power of the microwave). Then add whipped topping and sprinkles.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 487kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 64g (21%) | Protein: 17g (34%) | Fat: 15g (23%) | Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) | Cholesterol: 211mg (70%) | Sodium: 566mg (25%) | Potassium: 307mg (9%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 22g (24%) | Vitamin A: 510IU (10%) | Vitamin C: 0.7mg (1%) | Calcium: 219mg (22%) | Iron: 3.9mg (22%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

«
»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary anne

    Sounds delicious !! but does the bread get soggy overnight?

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Hi Mary Anne, it doesn’t because you use a very thick bread!

      Reply

  2. Sarah L Czepizak

    Hi! Should I leave the foil on to bake? Was also thinking about tearing the bread up instead of just having slices....not sure if it will affect bake time though....sounds delicious!

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Hi Sarah! Yes, leave the foil on- I should clarify that 🙂 You could tear the bread up, but I am also not sure how that would affect it. Probably not much difference. Funny, when I brought it to my work potluck, my colleague wanted to try it with the bread cubes too. It's just a preference. I prefer the big pieces personally, but go for it! Let me know how it turns out and I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by my blog... Terri

      Reply

  3. Vanessa | Zest & Simmer

    Oooh I love french toast bakes! And the fact that this involves Baileys makes me love it even more. We’re away for St Patrick’s Day this year so I guess I’ll just have to make this even sooner 😉

    Reply

  4. Denise@urbnspice

    I can think of a few Bailey loving family members who would love this Overnight French Toast brunch dish, Terri! I always love having make-ahead breakfast options in my back pocket. This one is getting pinned to try very soon. Many thanks for the St. Patrick's inspiration.

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Thanks, Denise! I hope you like it!

      Reply

  5. Sabrina

    How have I never thought of Bailey’s French toast?!?! Amazing, and baked French toast is totally the way to go for a crowd! Fabulous recipe, thank you 🙂

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Thanks, Sabrina! Baileys is magical - it makes french toast even better 🙂

      Reply

  6. Colleen

    I love to do make ahead french toast bakes for gatherings. This one with Bailey's is a perfect St Patrick's Day breakfast that I know will be a huge hit!

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Thanks, Colleen! I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

  7. Elaine

    Make-ahead is the way to go for brunch gatherings! Love your substitution for "real" Bailey's! This one will be devoured, for sure!

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Thanks, Elaine. Yes, it's great for potlucks! I brought it to a work potluck (real Baileys and all :)!

      Reply

  8. marilyn @family food around the clock

    Baked French toast! wow that sounds amazing and the recipe is very simple to make. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Thanks, Marilyn! Yes, I love that it's so simple to make!

      Reply

  9. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

    I absolutely love this Terri! French toast bakes are one of my favourite things to make for brunch gatherings. And I'm also a huge fan of St. Patrick's Day and all the food! Great recipe!

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Thanks, Leanne!

      Reply

  10. Tom

    Great recipe. Going to make this soon.
    Just wondering if it would freeze well.
    Thanks.

    Reply

    • Terri Gilson

      Thanks, Tom! I hope you enjoy it 🙂 I usually try to freeze my recipes, but I didn't get a chance with this one. I think it would get a little mushier, as there are quite a few eggs in the recipe and cooked eggs run when they are frozen. So, freezing this one may not be ideal. However, let me know if you try it!

      Reply

      • Tom

        Thanks for the response, Terri.
        I will try freezing and let you know ow it turns out.

        Reply

        • Terri Gilson

          Great!

          Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Featured On:

Taste Of Home Logo Parade Logo MSN Logo Master Chef Canada Logo Huffpost Logo Good Housekeeping Logo