There’s something so comforting about French toast, isn’t there? That rich, eggy bread, the warm vanilla-cinnamon custard, the crispy edges—it’s nostalgic and cozy, like Saturday mornings and syrup-drenched plates at your favorite breakfast spot.
But this version? This French Toast Casserole with Sesame Crumble Topping is a little extra. It’s soft and custardy inside, with golden edges, buttery flavor, and a crunchy, nutty topping that adds the perfect twist. Think brown sugar and butter crumble… but with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a warm, toasty flavor that feels totally fresh but still comfortingly familiar.
The first time I made this, I was prepping for a brunch potluck and wanted something a little different. I had challah, I had sesame seeds (leftover from a homemade bread experiment), and I had a big craving for something sweet but not over-the-top. The sesame crumble started as a whim… and ended as the one thing everyone kept asking for the recipe to. Even my “I don’t really like sweet breakfast” friend went in for seconds.
Now, it’s my go-to for holiday brunches, Eid mornings, or even just slow weekends at home when I want something low-effort but totally satisfying. You can make it the night before, bake it in the morning, and serve it warm with maple syrup, a little tahini drizzle, or even a scoop of whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Casserole
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble it the night before and just bake in the morning.
- Golden sesame crumble – Adds an unexpected, nutty crunch that perfectly balances the custardy base.
- Perfect texture – Soft and creamy inside, crisp and toasty on top.
- Halal-friendly – No alcohol, no processed additives, just simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Feeds a crowd – Great for brunch tables, potlucks, or weekend guests.
- Customizable – Add fruit, chocolate chips, or a tahini swirl to mix things up.
Whether you serve it with tea, coffee, or an iced cardamom latte (personal fave), it’s one of those breakfasts that makes people go silent after the first bite. The good kind of silent.
Prep Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 6–8 hours (overnight) or 30 mins minimum
- Bake Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus chill time)
- Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 410
Protein: 9g | Carbs: 42g | Fat: 22g
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 loaf (about 14–16 oz) challah, brioche, or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Sesame Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black, or a mix)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon or cardamom
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruit (berries, figs, banana slices)
- Optional drizzle of tahini + honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bread
- Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out for 1–2 hours to dry slightly (or lightly toast it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly inside.
Why stale bread? It soaks up the custard better and gives you that creamy-inside, crispy-outside texture you want.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread in the dish, pressing lightly so all the bread is soaked.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight.
Letting it rest allows the bread to fully absorb all the rich, sweet custard—essential for that creamy texture.
Step 3: Make the Sesame Crumble
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, sesame seeds, salt, and optional spices.
- Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Toasting your sesame seeds ahead adds even more depth—just a quick 2–3 minutes in a dry skillet does the trick.
Step 4: Bake
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the sesame crumble topping evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes to get that topping extra golden and crunchy.
How to Serve It
Here’s how to make your breakfast table shine:
- With warm maple syrup drizzled over each slice
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla Greek yogurt for contrast
- A sprinkle of fresh berries or chopped fruit
- For something special: a tahini-honey drizzle to echo the sesame flavor
- Alongside turkey bacon or eggs for a savory balance
Extra Tips for Success
- Dry your bread – This is key! Fresh bread will turn mushy.
- Chill overnight – It allows the custard to soak in fully and creates the best texture.
- Toast your sesame seeds – Brings out their nutty flavor beautifully.
- Use real vanilla – It makes a noticeable difference in a simple custard like this.
- Check doneness – A knife inserted in the center should come out clean but slightly moist.
Recipe Variations
- Fruit version: Add sliced bananas, chopped apples, or blueberries between the bread layers.
- Chocolate swirl: Add chocolate chips or swirl Nutella or melted chocolate into the custard before baking.
- Tahini twist: Add 1–2 tablespoons of tahini to the custard for a deeper sesame flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread.
- Mini casseroles: Bake in ramekins for individual servings—great for entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Warm slices in the microwave or oven at 300°F until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet with a little butter for crispier edges.
To Freeze:
Freeze fully baked and cooled casserole in individual slices. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Special Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet (if toasting sesame seeds)
- Pastry cutter or fork for crumble
- Aluminum foil (for covering during overnight chill)
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based milk and coconut cream, and substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil in the crumble.
What kind of bread is best?
Challah and brioche are perfect—they’re rich and soak up custard beautifully. French bread or any sturdy white bread also works well.
Can I bake it right away?
You can, but the texture is best if you let it soak at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
Can I use white or black sesame seeds?
Either works! White sesame seeds have a slightly nuttier flavor, while black ones are a bit more earthy and dramatic looking.
How do I know when it’s done?
It should be puffed, golden on top, and not jiggly in the center. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean.
Can I skip the crumble topping?
You can, but it adds amazing texture. If you need a shortcut, use granola or chopped nuts instead.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely. Chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts pair beautifully with sesame and brown sugar.
What’s the difference between French toast and a casserole version?
Same concept, different execution. A casserole version is soaked and baked all at once—less hands-on and great for serving a crowd.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use two 9×13 pans or one large baking dish and increase baking time slightly.
What’s the best way to serve this for a brunch spread?
Cut into squares, place on a platter, and serve with a topping bar: syrups, fruit, tahini-honey drizzle, or even cinnamon butter.
Final Thoughts
This French Toast Casserole with Sesame Crumble Topping is the kind of dish that brings people back to the table for seconds. It’s warm, sweet, and nostalgic—but that toasted sesame twist gives it just enough unexpected flavor to make it memorable.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend breakfast, hosting brunch for family, or prepping something special for Eid morning, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And the fact that it can be made ahead? Even better.
If you give it a try, I’d love to see your take—especially if you put your own spin on it. Tag me in your photos or leave a comment with your favorite topping ideas. Happy brunching!
