Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast that combines soft, custardy bread with a sweet, cinnamon streusel topping. It’s ideal for busy mornings or special occasions when you want something delicious without the hassle.

Ingredients

• 14 oz French Bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Step 2: Arrange the bread cubes in an even layer in the prepared dish.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Add 2/3 cup brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to the egg mixture and beat until well mixed. Pour this custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to soak all the bread.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the bread to keep it submerged in the custard. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
6. Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350º F (175º C).
7. Step 7: To make the topping, mix the melted butter, flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon until a thick streusel forms. Drop small pieces evenly over the soaked bread.
8. Step 8: Bake the casserole for about 45 minutes, until it puffs up and turns lightly golden brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly stale French bread for the best texture; it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• Swap light brown sugar for maple syrup in the custard to add a subtle maple note.
• For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and coconut cream instead of milk and heavy cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 325º F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole the morning of serving?

Yes, you can soak the bread in the custard for at least 1 hour before baking, but overnight soaking yields a more custardy, flavorful result.

Can I use other types of bread?

Absolutely. Thickly sliced brioche, challah, or sourdough work well and add different textures and flavors to this dish.

Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 97 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

A rich and comforting Overnight French Toast Casserole featuring cubes of French bread soaked overnight in a custard of eggs, milk, heavy cream, and warm spices, topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and baked to golden perfection. This make-ahead breakfast is perfect for holidays or weekend brunches.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Casserole

• 14 oz French Bread (cut into 1 inch cubes)
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)

Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dish: Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Bread: Place the French bread cubes in an even layer within the prepared dish.
3. Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and heavy cream until fully combined.
4. Add Flavorings: Beat in the light brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the custard mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down to ensure all bread is soaked.
5. Chill Overnight: Cover the casserole with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the bread to keep it coated in custard. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow thorough soaking.
6. Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C).
7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine flour, light brown sugar, and cinnamon until mixture is thick and crumbly. Drop small pieces of this streusel evenly over the soaked bread.
8. Bake: Bake the casserole for about 45 minutes, until it puffs up and becomes lightly golden brown on top.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the casserole set.

Notes

• For best results, soak the bread overnight but no longer than 24 hours to prevent it from becoming too soggy.
• French bread works well for sturdy texture; day-old bread or slightly stale is ideal.
• You can customize this dish by adding fruits like sliced apples or berries before baking.
• Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
• To make ahead easier, assemble the casserole the night before and bake fresh in the morning or bake in the evening for a warm breakfast next day.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: overnight french toast casserole, baked french toast, breakfast casserole, make ahead brunch, cinnamon streusel