Description
Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delicious and easy breakfast dish that can be prepared the night before and baked the next morning. With layers of fluffy bread, cinnamon, eggs, and milk, this casserole offers all the classic flavors of French toast, but without the hassle of flipping individual slices. Perfect for holiday mornings, family gatherings, or any day you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing breakfast!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf (about 16 oz) challah bread or brioche, cubed
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Cube the challah or brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly into the baking dish.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Bread and Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cubed bread, pressing the bread down slightly to ensure it’s soaked in the liquid. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the soaked bread before baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a softer casserole, cover it with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, then uncover to allow the top to crisp up.
- This casserole can be made with different types of bread such as sourdough or a simple white bread, but challah or brioche will give it the richest flavor.
- For an extra decadent version, add chocolate chips, berries, or nuts into the casserole before baking.
- If you don’t have time to refrigerate overnight, you can refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or bake it immediately for a quicker version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the casserole)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 120mg