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
Scale
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
