Ninja Foodi Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Prep: 10 minCook: 30 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Ninja Foodi Brown Sugar Cinnamon French Toast Bake

A rich breakfast casserole that transforms day-old French bread into a custardy, caramelized delight. Brown sugar and cinnamon create warm, comforting flavors while the Ninja Foodi's air circulation produces a perfectly golden, crispy top with a tender interior. Ideal for weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or feeding a crowd without the hassle of individual toast slices. The make-ahead friendly nature and one-pot cooking make this an effortless yet impressive breakfast centerpiece.

VegetarianNut-Free

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
    brioche or challah1:1comfort

    richer flavor

    Full guide →
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup milk
    heavy cream1:1indulgent

    creamier texture

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup brown sugar
    maple syrup3/4 rationatural

    reduce milk by 2 tbsp

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the Ninja Foodi to 350°F

  2. 2

    Whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl

  3. 3

    Add bread cubes to the egg mixture and toss to coat

  4. 4

    Pour melted butter into the bottom of the Ninja Foodi

  5. 5

    Transfer the bread mixture into the Ninja Foodi

  6. 6

    Close the crisping lid and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown

  7. 7

    Serve warm

Tips

Tip 1

Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture - fresh bread can become too soggy.

Tip 2

Let the bread mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before baking to ensure even custard distribution.

Tip 3

Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center - it should come out mostly clean.

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave.

Make Ahead

Assemble completely up to overnight, cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

Serve With

Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Use stale bread to avoid a soggy texture from over-absorption.

Watch

Don't skip the butter in the bottom to prevent sticking and add richness.

Substitutions

French bread→
brioche or challah1:1comfort

richer flavor

Full guide →
milk→
heavy cream1:1indulgent

creamier texture

Full guide →
brown sugar→
maple syrup3/4 rationatural

reduce milk by 2 tbsp

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without a Ninja Foodi?

Yes, bake in a buttered 9x13 inch baking dish at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.

How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

Covered french toast bake will keep for up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for best results.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.