Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Introduction

There are few breakfast dishes that bring as much joy to the table as a dish of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast. I had always been a fan of French toast, but this recipe takes it to a whole new level. The night before, you prepare the bread in a rich, custardy mixture that soaks in all the delicious flavors. When baked the next morning, the result is a decadent, slightly crispy top and a soft, custard-like interior that’s both comforting and indulgent. My family absolutely loved it. The caramelized sugar on top gave it that signature crème brûlée crunch that complemented the soft bread perfectly. It’s an excellent dish for special occasions like holidays or weekends, but easy enough to prepare for a regular morning treat. Whether you’re making it for yourself or for a group, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

To make this Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for the topping
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

Making this overnight French toast is a simple process that only requires a little bit of preparation the night before:

1. Prepare the baking dish: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the French toast doesn’t stick and has a golden crispness.
2. Arrange the bread: Place the slices of French bread in the dish in a single layer. If necessary, overlap the bread slices slightly so that all the bread is covered by the custard mixture later.
3. Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, milk, vanilla extract, 2/3 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well-combined.
4. Soak the bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, ensuring that each piece is fully soaked in the custard mixture.
5. Refrigerate overnight: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the mixture and take on a custard-like texture.
6. Preheat the oven: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Dot with butter: Remove the plastic wrap from the dish, and dot the top of the bread with small pieces of unsalted butter.
8. Bake: Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the toast is puffed up and golden brown.
9. Caramelize the sugar: Once the French toast is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Then, sprinkle an additional layer of sugar on top and place the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the sugar caramelizes and forms that signature crisp top.
10. Serve: Serve immediately with a generous drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

Here’s the approximate nutrition information for one serving of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast:

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: 420 kcal
• Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 195mg
• Sodium: 330mg
• Total Sugars: 22g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

How to Serve

This dish is perfect for a family brunch or special breakfast occasion. Here are some ways to serve it:

• With maple syrup: Drizzle generously with pure maple syrup for that classic sweet and savory combination.
• Top with fresh fruit: Add fresh berries or sliced bananas to give a fruity, refreshing balance to the richness of the French toast.
• With whipped cream: For extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top.
• With a side of bacon or sausage: Pair with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness with a savory side.
• Serve with a hot beverage: Complement your meal with coffee, tea, or fresh juice for a complete breakfast experience.

Additional Tips

To ensure that your Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast turns out perfect every time, here are five tips:

1. Use day-old bread: Fresh bread is too soft and might become too soggy. Opt for slightly stale French bread or let the bread sit out for a few hours before making the dish.
2. Let it soak: For the best results, make sure to refrigerate the dish overnight to give the bread enough time to soak in the custard mixture and become soft and rich.
3. Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet French toast, reduce the amount of sugar you use in the custard mixture or skip the extra sugar topping before baking.
4. Customize the spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the custard for a different flavor profile.
5. Check the consistency: Before baking, ensure that all the bread is soaked through, but not swimming in liquid. If necessary, press down gently on the bread slices to ensure they’re all covered by the custard mixture.

Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

• Vegan version: Use plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and a flax egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.
• Add-ins: Mix in raisins, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts into the custard mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free. Make sure to choose a hearty bread that can soak up the custard.
• Cinnamon swirl: Swirl in some cinnamon sugar or cinnamon rolls for an extra sweet touch to the French toast.
• Baked French toast casserole: Instead of using individual slices of bread, tear the bread into chunks and layer them in the baking dish for a casserole-style dish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides and beverages:

• Fresh fruit: Berries, sliced bananas, or citrus fruits complement the richness of the French toast.
• Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt can add creaminess and tanginess, balancing the sweetness.
• Breakfast meats: Bacon or sausage offers a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the French toast.
• Juice or coffee: Pair this dish with freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of strong coffee for a perfect breakfast experience.

Freezing and Storage

If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to store or freeze them:

• To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
• To freeze: After baking, let the French toast cool completely. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions and answers to help you with this recipe:

1. Can I use a different type of bread?
   Yes, you can substitute French bread with challah, brioche, or even a crusty baguette for different textures and flavors.
2. Can I make this dish the night before?
   Yes! That’s the whole point of this recipe. You prepare it the night before and bake it in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
3. Can I skip the broiling step?
   The broiling step is essential for achieving the signature caramelized sugar top, but if you prefer, you can skip it and still enjoy a delicious, soft French toast.
4. Can I use almond milk instead of whole milk?
   Yes, you can substitute almond milk for the whole milk, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
5. How do I make sure the bread soaks in the custard properly?
   Make sure the bread is slightly stale and presses it down gently into the custard to ensure even soaking. Let it refrigerate overnight for best results.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option, but make sure the bread is hearty enough to soak up the custard.
7. Can I use maple syrup in the custard mixture?
   Yes, you can substitute some of the sugar in the custard mixture with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
8. Can I prepare the custard ahead of time?
   Yes, you can whisk the custard mixture and refrigerate it in an airtight container overnight. Pour over the bread the next

morning.

9. How can I make this recipe less sweet?
   You can reduce the sugar in the custard mixture and skip the extra sugar topping before baking.
10. Can I make individual servings?
    Yes, instead of using a 9×13-inch dish, you can divide the bread into smaller, individual servings in ramekins or muffin tins.

Conclusion

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence. It combines the richness of crème brûlée with the comforting flavors of French toast, creating a dish that’s perfect for special occasions or just a cozy morning at home. With its make-ahead convenience, you can easily serve it to a crowd, and the caramelized sugar topping adds a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress. Whether served with maple syrup or fresh fruit, this French toast will quickly become a breakfast favorite in your household.

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