There’s nothing better than starting a leisurely weekend morning with a comforting brunch.
One of the most popular brunch dishes around is the French toast casserole, which is super easy to make in advance, making it perfect for special occasions like Christmas and Easter.
But when it comes to serving up a side dish for this sweet and savory dish, many people might be stumped on what to choose.
Don’t worry! Here we have rounded up 5 creative and delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with a hearty French toast casserole.
So, just stay with me to make your dish the star of the show.
A Quick solution for what to serve with french toast casserole – Fresh Fruit Salad, Herb and Goat Cheese Frittata, Smoked Salmon Platter, Sausage and Mushroom Hash, Grilled Peaches and Cream, Seasonal Fruit Salad, Ham and Cheese Croissant, Maple-Bacon Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Hashbrown Casserole, Greek Yogurt and Granola Parfait, Cinnamon Apples, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Maple syrup, Fresh Berries, Cream Cheese, Caramelized Bananas, Citrus, Cinnamon Sugar, Whipped Cream, Chocolate Chips, Nuts, Apples, Yogurt, Honey, Coconut Shavings, Chopped Dates, Marshmallows.
What is french toast casserole? What does french toast casserole like?
French toast casserole is an easy-to-make dish made from cubed bread, eggs, milk, and various other ingredients like spices and flavorings.
The casserole is then baked in the oven until golden brown.
French toast casserole has a custard-like texture with crunchy edges that give it a delightful contrast.
It’s usually served hot with butter, syrup or jam and can be topped with fresh fruit for added sweetness.
French toast casserole can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Enjoy french toast casserole as a delicious breakfast or brunch dish!
27 best foods to eat with French Toast Casserole
1. Fresh Fruit Salad
I just love to enjoy Fresh Fruit Salad with French Toast Casserole. A medley of juicy fruits like berries, melons, and citrus can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty French toast casserole.
Plus, the natural sweetness of the fruit can also balance out the syrupy and buttery flavors of the casserole.
2. Herb and Goat Cheese Frittata
A fluffy and creamy frittata is a great savory partner to the French toast casserole.
Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme and tangy goat cheese can elevate the flavors and add a gourmet touch to your meal.
3. Smoked Salmon Platter
For a more upscale brunch experience, you can serve a platter of smoked salmon, capers, cream cheese, and bagels alongside the French toast casserole.
The salty and briny flavors of the salmon can cut through the sweetness of the casserole and add a luxurious touch to your spread.
4. Sausage and Mushroom Hash
A hearty and savory hash made with sausage, mushrooms, and potatoes can add some heft and texture to your brunch.
The earthy and meaty flavors can also balance out the sweetness of the casserole and provide a satisfying contrast.
5. Grilled Peaches and Cream
Like me, if you are a dessert-like side dish, then try grilling some fresh peaches until caramelized and serving them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
The warmth and juiciness of the peaches can complement the cinnamon and vanilla flavors of the casserole and create a harmonious and indulgent end to your meal.
6. Seasonal Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a beautiful and healthy choice when it comes to breakfast side dishes, yet not all fruit salads are created equal.
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing to match your french toast casserole, try a seasonal fruit salad.
Check out your local farmer’s market and grab fresh berries, grapes, and chunks of sweet melon. Mix them up in a bowl and add a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
7. Ham and Cheese Croissant
If you’re looking to add a touch of protein to your breakfast table, then serve up some ham and cheese croissants.
These flaky, buttery pastries are packed with protein and flavor, making them the perfect side dish to go with your French toast casserole.
The sweetness of the casserole pairs perfectly with the savory taste of a croissant.
8. Maple-Bacon Roasted Brussel Sprouts
One of my favorites, this side dish will take your French toast casserole breakfast to the next level. Add a little bit of sweetness and saltiness with maple-bacon roasted Brussels sprouts.
Simply cut those little guys in half and toss them in some olive oil, salt, pepper, and maple syrup. Then roast them in the oven for 30 minutes or so.
Once golden brown and caramelized, sprinkle some chopped cooked bacon onto the Brussels sprouts, and there you have it, a delicious savory side dish!
9. Hashbrown Casserole
Another classic breakfast dish that goes perfectly with French toast casserole is hashbrown casserole.
This dish is a tasty combination of potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon baked to perfection.
Hashbrown casserole is very easy for you to prepare, which makes it a real winner in our book. Make it ahead of time and toss it in the oven before serving.
10. Greek Yogurt and Granola Parfait
If you’re looking for something fresh and light and don’t want to add more fats to your morning meal, a Greek yogurt and granola parfait is the perfect option.
Layer Greek yogurt and granola, and top with your favorite seasonal fruit. This dish is packed with protein and fiber, a great healthy option to balance out the sweetness of the casserole.
11. Cinnamon Apples
This is something slightly sweeter but still healthy, so you should try adding diced cinnamon apples atop your french toast bake just before baking!
Not only do the apples bring natural sweetness along with them, but by adding cinnamon beforehand, all those warming spices get brought out even more once everything is baked together!
12. Oven Roasted Potatoes
For a savory dish instead, opt for oven-roasted potatoes, which couple especially well when served with egg dishes like french toast bakes due to their starchy nature.
Which helps cut through any potential egginess involved in such dishes while also reigning in any overly sweet flavors from other ingredients mixed in together!
13. Maple syrup
I always prefer Maple syrup to eat with a classic French toast casserole; delicious maple syrup is the perfect way to enhance its sweetness and add an extra layer of flavor.
14. Fresh Berries
Sprinkle fresh blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries on top of your casserole for a pop of color and natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cooked egg-custard base.
15. Cream Cheese
Spread some cream cheese on top of your French toast casserole before baking it in the oven to create a creamy and comforting topping when served.
16. Caramelized Bananas
Top your casserole with caramelized bananas for a delicious combination of sweet and salty flavors that will explode in your mouth!
17. Citrus
Squeeze some orange or lemon juice over the top of your French toast casserole for a bright and refreshing flavor contrast to the richness of the custard.
18. Cinnamon Sugar
Sprinkle some ground cinnamon and sugar over your casserole before baking it in the oven to create an irresistible flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
19. Whipped Cream
Adding a dollop of whipped cream on top of each serving adds some lightness to this indulgent breakfast dish while also creating an extra layer of sweetness.
20. Chocolate Chips
You can mix semi-sweet chocolate chips into the egg-custard mixture before baking it in the oven to create ooey-gooey pockets of chocolate goodness throughout all your bites!
21. Nuts
To give your French toast casserole an added crunch, sprinkle roasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans over it before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor complexity.
22. Apples
Apple is my all-time favorite. Grate apples over the top of your French toast casserole (or mix them through) for a tart addition that serves as a great contrast against all that sweet custard underneath!
23. Yogurt
Serve individual servings topped with plain Greek yogurt for added creaminess as well as probiotic benefits from this healthful addition!
24. Honey
Drizzle honey on each piece or spoon it over individual servings for an extra touch of sweetness without overpowering its other flavors.
25. Coconut Shavings
Coconut Shavings are a great partner with french toast casserole, which add some tropical flair by sprinkling coconut shavings over each serving before digging in!
26. Chopped Dates
Mix chopped dates through your french toast casserole batter before baking it in the oven to add bursts of sweet chewy goodness throughout every bite!
27. Marshmallows
For an extra special treat, you can sprinkle mini marshmallows overtop each serving before popping them into the oven – it’ll turn golden brown when melted, creating even more decadence with every bite!
What are the best flavors to go with french toast casserole?
French toast casserole can be enhanced by a variety of flavors, ranging from sweet to savory. For something classic and crowd-pleasing, try adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with some vanilla extract.
To add sweetness, mix in some honey or brown sugar before baking. For something more unique, try mixing in bits of dried fruits like cherries, cranberries or apricots.
Or you could add some crunchy chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding some chunks of bacon or sausage for a flavorful twist! There are so many possibilities to make your French toast casserole stand out—just choose the combination that best fits your taste.
Bon appetit!
How do you jazz up french toast casserole?
One way to jazz up french toast casserole is by using different types of bread. Try using challah, brioche, or even croissants for a more luxurious dish.
You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, as well as nuts like almonds and walnuts for added crunch.
If you want to make it extra decadent, try substituting some of the milk with cream and adding a splash of vanilla extract or ground cinnamon to the egg mixture.
Before baking, top with some fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
With these simple tweaks, your french toast casserole will be sure to impress! Enjoy!
How do you display french toast casserole on a platter?
To display french toast casserole on a platter, start by cutting the casserole into squares or slices. Place the pieces in an attractive pattern around the platter.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and other desired toppings such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit or syrup.
Alternatively, you can add fresh fruits and berries for garnish to create a beautiful presentation.
Serve with side dishes such as bacon, sausage or scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast meal. Enjoy!
FAQs on what to serve with french toast casserole
Q1. How much french toast casserole per person?
When making french toast casserole, it is recommended to allow 1/2 cup of the casserole mixture per person. This should provide enough for a generous serving that will fill each person up without leaving them feeling overly full. If you want to make a larger portion, then increasing the amount by 1/4 – 1/2 cups per person should suffice.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a smaller portion size, reducing the amount given per person by 1/4 – 1/2 cups can help adjust the serving size accordingly. Just remember that all ovens and cook times vary, so be sure to keep an eye on your casserole while it is cooking so that it doesn’t get overcooked or burnt!
Q2. Why is my French toast casserole soggy?
There are a few reasons why your French toast casserole could be soggy. The most common reason is that the bread wasn’t stale enough before baking. If you want your French toast to keep its shape and not become a mushy mess, make sure to use day-old crusty bread and let it sit out overnight before using it for the casserole.
Another issue could be that you cooked the dish for too long. An overcooked French toast casserole will result in a soggy texture due to all the moisture being extracted from the custard mixture as it cooks. Make sure you follow the instructions on your recipe closely and check on your dish every few minutes while it’s cooking so that you don’t overcook it.
Finally, too much liquid in the custard mixture can also cause a soggy casserole. Make sure to use just enough milk or cream so that the bread doesn’t get too saturated before baking. If you find that your dish is becoming overly wet and soggy as it bakes, reduce the amount of liquid in your recipe next time.
Q3. What kind of bread is best for French toast?
The type of bread that is best for French toast really depends on personal preference. A good option is a thick-cut, hearty white bread such as Texas Toast or challah. Brioche and sourdough are also popular choices because their texture and flavor can complement the eggy custard.
For more creative twists, try cinnamon raisin bread or even croissants for an extra indulgent experience.
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using whole wheat or multigrain bread. As long as it’s thick enough to hold up when soaking in the egg mixture, any kind of bread should work! With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can enjoy delicious French toast every time! Happy cooking!
Q4. What is a French toast platter?
French toast platter is a type of breakfast dish that is characterized by slices of bread soaked in an egg and milk mixture, then fried until golden brown and served with honey, syrup, or any other toppings. It can also be topped with fruits like strawberries or bananas, as well as whipped cream or ice cream.
French toast platter is a classic breakfast item that has been eaten for centuries around the world. It’s easy to make, and it tastes great! So why not treat yourself to a delicious French toast platter this weekend? You won’t regret it! Enjoy!
