Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
If you’ve been on the lookout for an effortless yet show-stopping breakfast that practically makes itself overnight, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe. Imagine cubes of perfectly crusty French bread soaked in a luscious custard of eggs, cream, and warming spices, all topped with a crumbly, buttery streusel that bakes to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate cozy brunch dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s sure to become your go-to recipe whenever you want to impress family or friends without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a straightforward way, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, moisture, and texture that make this casserole so unforgettable.
- French bread (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): The sturdy cubes soak up custard brilliantly, giving a satisfying bite without turning mushy.
- Large eggs (8): They create the rich, silky custard base that binds everything together.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the custard.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Elevates the richness for that indulgent breakfast feel.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a deep, caramel note to both custard and topping.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings a fragrant warmth boosting all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Offers that classic, comforting taste signature to French toast.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to add subtle spice complexity.
- Salt (pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup, for topping): Creates the crumbly texture of the streusel topping.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, for topping): Sweetens and caramelizes the crunchy topping layer.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for topping): Continues the warmly spiced theme on top.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon, for topping): A tiny bit to enhance all the sweet elements.
- Cold unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cubed, for topping): Melts and puffs up the topping with rich, flaky bits.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Custard Mixture
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish, then scatter the cubed French bread evenly inside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and just a pinch of salt until everything is smoothly combined. Pour this heavenly custard over the bread cubes, gently pressing the bread down so each piece is soaked through with the rich custard.
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge to soak overnight. This step is magic because it allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, melding all those wonderful spices and flavors together for a melt-in-your-mouth experience come morning.
Step 3: Make the Topping
While the casserole chills, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles rough crumbs. Cover and refrigerate this topping separately to keep it cold and crumbly for baking.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the chilled topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy and the custard is set in the center. Once baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate this dish beautifully. Dust a light layer of powdered sugar over the top for an elegant snow-dusted look. Drizzle warm maple syrup for sweet, sticky goodness, or scatter fresh berries or sliced fruit to add a burst of freshness and color.
Side Dishes
This casserole is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage links to add savory contrast. A side of freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa can transform your brunch into a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes to keep portions neat and charming. You can also stir chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch and toasted flavor, making each bite a textural delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious casserole again without any extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze portions wrapped in foil or freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on top, bringing back that freshly baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While French bread is ideal for its texture, you can substitute with challah, brioche, or even a sturdy whole-grain bread. Just keep in mind that softer breads may soak up custard more quickly and create a softer casserole.
Do I have to refrigerate it overnight?
For the best flavor and custard absorption, overnight refrigeration is key. However, if you’re short on time, even a few hours of soaking will produce tasty results, but the full overnight soak really makes the difference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk alternatives you prefer. The texture might be a bit lighter, but the flavorful charm remains.
Is it okay to add nuts to the topping?
Definitely. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even sliced almonds make excellent additions to the topping, adding a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
How should I adjust the recipe if I want to serve a larger group?
This recipe scales up wonderfully. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes. You may need to extend baking time slightly, so keep an eye on that golden crust and the custard set.
Final Thoughts
This Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is a true gem that’s sure to bring joy to your breakfast table. It requires minimal morning effort and rewards you with rich, satisfying flavors that feel like a special treat. Whether it’s for a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend morning, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home just as it has in mine.
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Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a decadent and easy make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish perfect for holidays or weekend gatherings. Cubes of French bread are soaked overnight in a rich custard made with eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, then topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel. Baking it yields a golden, comforting casserole that’s best served with maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 loaf French bread (cut into 1-inch cubes, about 10 cups)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the cubed French bread evenly.
- Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until thoroughly combined.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down slightly to ensure all pieces absorb the liquid. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the bread to soak and flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cover and refrigerate the topping until ready to use.
- Bake the Casserole: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and evenly sprinkle the chilled topping over it.
- Cooking: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center of the custard is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping before baking.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries to elevate the dish.
- Make sure to refrigerate overnight for the best custard soak and flavor development.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked fresh before serving, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or busy weekend mornings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
