Overnight French Toast Casserole
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Overnight French Toast Casserole is a decadent and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish, perfect for holiday mornings or family gatherings. Made with thick slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, this casserole is assembled the night before and baked to golden perfection the next morning. Top it with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit for a cozy and crowd-pleasing treat.
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Chill Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 9 hrs
Cooking Temp: 175°C (350°F)
Estimated Cost: $12
Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Best Season: Year-round
Table of Contents
Description
This warm and comforting Overnight French Toast Casserole is an effortless breakfast option that makes mornings stress-free. It combines the classic flavors of French toast—cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of nutmeg—in a baked casserole that is crispy on top and soft in the middle. After an overnight soak in a rich custard, the casserole is baked to a beautiful golden color. Serve it warm with your favorite toppings, like syrup or whipped cream, for a deliciously indulgent breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to make sure all pieces are soaked. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat and add topping: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). If using the topping, mix the brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle it over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream as desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Calories from Fat: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 47g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 10g
- Vitamin A: 600 IU
- Vitamin C: 0 mg
- Calcium: 100 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, allowing the bread to soak in the custard overnight.
- Customization: Feel free to add fresh berries, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Drizzle with maple syrup or top with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
