Full disclosure: I received no monetary compensation, but the product used in this recipe was gifted to me. However, you can always trust me to only work with and recommend with products I love.

Mornings in our home are anything but quiet, especially around any holiday. The kids wake up brimming with energy, their laughter and screams filling the house as they dart from room to room. There’s a certain chaos to it all. Wrapping paper being torn open, the smell of coffee brewing, and the excited chatter of little voices making plans for the day ahead.

In the middle of all this hustle, I find myself searching for ways to bring a moment of calm, even for just a couple of minutes, with something comforting and familiar.

As a mom and cook, I’ll admit that I sometimes gravitate toward simple, cozy meals. This cheesy savory French toast recipe is one of those heartfelt creations born out of both practicality and want for comfort. A cheesy, gooey, gluten-free breakfast casserole that is full of protein, requires little effort but feels like a treat for everyone.

It all started with a box of frozen Texas Toast from New York Bakery Co. tucked away in my freezer. Leftover turkey breast in the fridge caught my eye, and an idea struck. Why not bring these two together to create something hearty and satisfying? My kids love anything with melted cheese, and my husband always appreciates a savory breakfast that sets the tone for the day. I need somethign that is gluten-free and high in protein. This cheesy, gooey turkey gluten-free French toast recipe would hit all the marks.

Mornings Made Easy with French Toast Casserole

On holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, the mornings feel even busier. The kids, already buzzing with excitement, fill the house with a special kind of magic. Between their laughter and their seemingly bottomless energy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before the day has even begun. That’s when having a dish like this French toast casserole becomes a lifesaver.

While the turkey anchors the dish, the subtle sweetness of the baked French toast paired with a creamy cheese sauce creates a perfect balance of rich flavors. Whether you use brioche, sourdough bread, or even stale bread pieces, the result is always comforting.

On Easter, you can use leftover ham to make this dish if that's your thing. I also love making it with leftover roasted chicken, or even Costco rotisserie chicken — no judgement!

The cheesy topping — a mix of cheddar cheese and cream cheese — melts into gooey perfection. It’s an easy make-ahead breakfast, perfect for the holiday season when the days are often long and busy, yet still deserve that special touch.

Mornings like these fill me with gratitude for the simple joys of gathering together, the clinking of forks on plates, the little voices sharing their excitement, and the quiet joy of knowing we’re starting the day together. There’s something so precious about these fleeting moments, a reminder of how fortunate we are to create and share them as a family.

Easy to make and adaptable, a simple and easy dish that brings back memories of holidays, where leftover turkey always seemed to find its way into something special.

Ingredients

• Frozen Texas French Toast - ready to bake, pre-sliced and lightly sweetened, these French toast slices save time while offering the perfect base for a hearty, comforting dish

• Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese - melts perfectly to create that gooey, cheesy topping

• Turkey Breast - adds heartiness and makes this recipe a great way to use up holiday leftovers.

• Cream Cheese - adds creaminess and a slightly tangy richness that complements the cheese and toast.

• Eggs - helps bind the ingredients together while adding structure and protein to the dish.

• Milk - provides moisture and ensures a custardy texture for the toast.

• Green Onions - adds a fresh, mild onion flavor to brighten up the dish, you can also use chives

• Garlic Clove - gives a hint of aromatic depth.

• Dried Thyme - adds an earthy, herbaceous note to round out the flavors.

• Salt and Pepper - enhance the natural flavors of the dish to taste

• Jalapeno (optional) - for a subtle kick of heat, perfect for those who enjoy spicy flavors.

See the recipe card for exact quantities. 

How to Make Cheesy Gluten-Free French Toast Bake

If you're looking for a comforting dish that’s both simple to prepare, this cream cheese French toast casserole dish is an easy recipe that brings everyone together. Whether it’s Christmas morning or a busy weekday, its cheesy layers and savory turkey filling make it a hearty meal. Here's how to make it:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the bread slices from sticking.

Arrange the French Toast

Arrange each slice of bread from the frozen garlic French toast package in a single, even layer in the prepared baking dish.

Prepare the Cream Cheese and Cheddar Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk the cream cheese until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, milk, sliced turkey, chopped green onions, jalapeño, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Pour the Mixture Over the Bread

Pour the cheese and turkey mixture evenly over the French toast slices, ensuring every piece is well coated. Use any remaining bread to create additional layers if needed.

Bake the Dish

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the egg mixture is fully set, and the top is golden brown and bubbly. This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven.

Cool and Garnish your Casserole

Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for a few minutes. Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped green onions on top for a visual finish.

Serve and Enjoy your Savory French Toast Bake

Slice into portions and serve. Enjoy your hearty and comforting turkey and cheese French toast bake! 

Storage

If you’re lucky enough to have some left, this cheesy French toast stores easily. Once cooled, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat,  its best for this recipe to pop it into the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through, so it revives the gooey cheese and keeps the bread from getting soggy.

For mornings when everyone’s rushing out the door, I like to slice the pieces into individual portions. It makes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast that feels like a little cheat, even on a busy weekday. My kids love reheating a piece after school too as a quick snack that tastes just as comforting as when it first came out of the oven.

One little note: if you’ve prepped this bake ahead of time but haven’t baked it yet, simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. That way you can bake it fresh when you’re ready, and it’ll still have all the cheesy, golden goodness you'll love.

Serving Recommendations and Accompanying Dishes

This cheesy gluten-free French toast bake has a way of turning an ordinary breakfast or brunch into something special. I love serving it alongside something light and refreshing, like a little gem salad. The freshness of the greens balances the richness of the bake perfectly.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet to round out the meal, pair it with fresh fruit salad or toast up slices from a warm loaf of rosemary sourdough to complement the dish’s savory richness. An easy Gluten-Free Peach Cobbler with Fresh Basil adds a fruity touch that complements the savory notes beautifully. For a heartier spread, pair the bake with a Roasted Pepper and Tomato Vegan Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust, the earthy flavors and creamy filling make it a satisfying duo.

For something a little more adventurous, consider a warm loaf of Israeli Sabich Sandwich with Eggplant and Potatoes. The layers of roasted vegetables and eggs bring a comforting, homemade quality that matches the bake’s cozy appeal. Lastly, a Circassian Fried Cheese with a Field Salad adds a touch of tangy brightness that plays great against the cheesy bake.