Sweet Potato French Toast

A quick and easy recipe for sweet potato French toast casserole that doubles as a breakfast bake.

French toast has always been a staple in our house.  For a while we seemed to  have it weekly, for dinner instead of breakfast. Breakfast for dinner is a family favorite around here.  

But French toast casserole? This is something I never thought to make until one day when I was going through my monthly food magazine and saw a recipe that looked way too good not to try. After I saw this recipe in the magazine, I knew that I had to tweak and jazz it up. So, added sweet potatoes, and a few spices and changed up the steps and ta da we have this delicious Sweet Potato French toast.

Sweet potatoes are one of fall's best flavors, so why not incorporate them into breakfast? I love how they give the French Toast casserole recipe a wonderful flavor and healthy orange color.

This recipe is very good for holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving or Christmas because you can make it the day before, pop in the oven when your guests arrive, and bam, breakfast/dessert is served. Or make it the morning of your event and let it cook while everyone is still sleeping in.

Sweet Potato French toast casserole

It is basically French toast made with bread and topped with cinnamon, sugar, butter with the addition of sweet potatoes. And then baked in the oven for a different take on the traditional French toast.

One of my favorite things about Sweet Potato French Toast casserole is that it's easy to make, and I can prepare it the night ahead and then bake it in the morning.

Plus the sweet potatoes really add a delicious flavor to your French toast casserole recipe.  Try it and you'll see what I mean.

Some other inexpensive casserole dishes that will feed a large family can be found in that link. Check it out...I'm sure you can find something there that will please everyone's tastebuds.

What kind of bread should I use for Sweet Potato French Toast Casserole

There are many types of bread to choose from when it comes to making French toast. Some people prefer a thicker cut of bread, while others want a more thin and crispy piece of bread. The thickness of the toast is entirely up to you.

I love to use challah bread from the bakery section at my grocery store.  But, you can use any type of bread that your family prefers. Or use bread that's already on your counter that may be going stale soon.

Can I use homemade sweet potatoes instead of canned

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe with homemade sweet potatoes. Just add them to your food processor or blender and blend until they resemble a puree.

What is the best French toast casserole dish to use

French toast casserole dishes come in many different shapes and sizes.  I like to use my 11 x 7 inch baking dish because it works for this recipe. But, whatever baking dish you have on hand will work just fine.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream

Yes, you can definitely use milk as a substitute in this recipe. Just replace the heavy whipping cream with whole milk or 2%. If you want to be more accurate, refer to the ingredients list to figure out the measurements.

What is French Toast Casserole

A breakfast casserole made with bread, eggs, milk or cream, sugar, and sometimes cinnamon. The mixture is poured over cubed or thick slices of bread then baked in the oven until firm. French toast casserole can be topped with butter or margarine, jam, syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar or whipped cream.

Where does French Toast come from

Some say the origins of French toast date back as far as the 4th century, in a Roman cookbook. Others argue that it was created to reuse stale bread and preserve eggs for lengthy periods of time. But most historians agree that French toast was most likely served for breakfast in 19th century France or Spain.

How do I store leftover French toast

You can store leftover French toast in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep your sweet potato French toast casserole covered while it is in the fridge.

What side dishes go well with Sweet Potato French Toast casserole

I like to serve this dish with sausage links and fresh fruit. But it also tastes delicious served alongside eggs and toast. You could even have this for dinner if you wanted as well because it makes for a filling meal. If you are looking for more of an over the top dinner option, serve it with shrimp and a side salad! Yum!

We created an actual list of sides that go with French Toast that I'm sure you'll want to have a looksie at. Inspiration will flow through you into the meal and your family will love you all the more for serving it to them1

How do I reheat leftover Sweet Potato French Toast Casserole

If you want your casserole to be crispy, you can pop it back into the oven/toaster oven until lightly brown and crispy. Then place it on a plate and eat it within 30 minutes of heating. If you do not want the casserole to crisp up that way, you can microwave the leftovers until warm.

Can I freeze this

I do not recommend freezing sweet potato French toast casserole. The bread will get soggy and fall apart.

Can I use a different type of nuts

You can use any type of nut that you prefer. Or skip the nuts all together if you do not like them.

What is the difference between sweet potatoes and yams

Yams are a monocot. Which is a different family from dicots. A sweet potato is a dicot. So, while these two starches look very similar they are actually different.

However, the terms are typically used interchangeably.  Many people also refer to the red skinned potato as a yam. But, this is inaccurate.

Can I leave out the pumpkin pie spice

Yes, you can if you do not have any pumpkin pie spice on hand. Use 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg to replace the pumpkin pie spice in this recipe.

Can I make this gluten free

To make this dish gluten free, just use any type of bread that is store bought and certified as being GF.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead

Yes, you can use canned pumpkin puree in place of the cooked sweet potato.  Then you will have pumpkin French toast casserole.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato French Toast Casserole

• loaf of bread like French, Italian, challah, brioche, cubed
• heavy cream
• granulated sugar
• brown sugar
• can of sweet potatoes 
• large eggs
• vanilla
• pumpkin pie spice

Topping:

• brown sugar
• granulated sugar
• flour
• cold salted butter
• chopped pecans

How To Make French Toast Casserole

Gather all of your ingredients and measure them.

Spray your 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Place the cubed bread in the baking dish.

Drain your sweet potatoes and mash with a fork.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream, sugars, eggs, sweet potatoes, vanilla, and pie spice.

Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes pressing down to make sure all the bread got coated.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours up to overnight.

Right before baking, prepare the topping.

Combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and flour in a small bowl.

I use my fingers to mix everything together until it is large coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle the topping all over the French toast casserole.

Sprinkle the pecans all over the top.

Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 50 minutes or until the casserole is no longer jiggly in the center. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar or any of our favorite sides to serve with french toast.

I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as we do around here.  Please feel free to leave any comments or creative ideas that you may have below. Or just share a little about how Sweet Potato French Toast casserole makes your mornings brighter

More Delicious French Toast Recipes:

Sweet Potato French Toast Casserole

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.