Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
The Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is the kind of cozy, irresistible dish that makes you excited to wake up, even on the sleepiest weekend mornings. Imagine layers of pillowy French bread soaked in a vanilla-cinnamon custard, topped with a buttery crumble that bakes up golden and crisp. Best of all, you do all the prep the night before, so come breakfast, there’s nothing left but to pop it in the oven and pour the coffee! With each bite, you get creamy, custardy bread and a delicate crunch—heavenly for holiday brunches or laid-back family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe, yet every ingredient plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture. With just a handful of pantry classics and a couple of fresh staples, you’re set for a showstopper brunch.
- Day-old French bread: This rustic bread is sturdy enough to soak up the custard without turning mushy, giving you that perfect bite.
- Large eggs: The eggs provide richness and structure, transforming the bread into a luscious, custardy casserole.
- Whole milk: Using whole milk keeps the casserole creamy and full-bodied.
- Heavy cream: This adds an extra level of decadence and makes every bite just a little more indulgent.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance out the spices and make the flavors pop.
- Brown sugar: Brings molasses notes that play perfectly with the cinnamon and create deep, caramel undertones.
- Vanilla extract: Essential for that sweet, cozy aroma that fills your whole kitchen as it bakes.
- Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon is the true backbone of this bake, giving warmth and spice throughout.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch brings subtle, nutty depth that lifts all the other flavors.
- Salt: A little salt is the unsung hero—it keeps the casserole from being one-note and enhances every element.
- Unsalted butter: Dotted on top for moisture and to help the crust brown beautifully.
- Topping (optional): For the crumbly finishing touch, you’ll need all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter. This streusel adds a delicate crunch and a hint of sweetness to every forkful.
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup: A final flourish for serving—pick your favorite or mix it up!
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Bread
Start by giving your 9×13-inch baking dish a good grease to keep things from sticking. Scatter the cubes of day-old French bread evenly, creating a roughly even layer. This is the foundation that will soak up every last drop of the flavorful custard you’re about to pour over. The sturdier your bread, the better—it holds its own and ensures a perfectly textured bake.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, crack in the eggs, then pour in the milk and cream. Add both the granulated and brown sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the pinch of salt. Give it all a good whisk until smooth and well combined. This custard is what transforms your bread cubes into velvety, flavor-packed goodness, so make sure everything is thoroughly mixed and the spices are well distributed.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Evenly pour your beautiful custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press the bread down gently with your hands or a spatula to help every piece soak up the liquid. You want the bread saturated but not drowning—this guarantees that dreamy, creamy center with an ever-so-slightly crisp top. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for an overnight nap (at least 8 hours).
Step 4: Make the Optional Streusel Topping
If you love a crunchy topping, this streusel is a game-changer. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubes of butter, then use a pastry cutter or fork to work it into the dry ingredients until you’ve got a crumbly texture. Store the topping in the fridge overnight as well, so it’s cold and ready to sprinkle before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
In the morning, take your casserole out of the fridge while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). Uncover, then scatter the chilled streusel topping evenly over the surface—or, if you’re skipping the streusel, dot the top with the remaining butter cubes. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the center is just set and the top is golden and crisp. Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before you grab your first slice.
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Once the Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is out of the oven, the fun part is dressing it up! A dusting of powdered sugar turns it into a morning snow scene, while a drizzle of warm maple syrup makes every bite sing. For a burst of freshness, try topping with berries or sliced bananas—or go wild with a scoop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra festive.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with something bright and fresh: a big fruit salad or a platter of citrus slices balances out the richness. If you want a heartier spread, serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage—the savory flavors are a perfect match to the casserole’s sweet warmth. Of course, don’t forget a big pot of coffee or some sparkling juice for that brunch-y finish!
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe to the next level by serving in individual ramekins for built-in portions, or top with toasted pecans and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy touch. Hosting a brunch? Set up a toppings bar for guests to add their own maple syrup, jams, or nut butter—customization is half the fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully for up to three days in the fridge. Store pieces in an airtight container, or leave them right in the baking dish covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It’s just as delicious the next day—maybe even tastier, as those flavors continue to marry!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap individual pieces (or the entire dish) securely with foil and plastic wrap. Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 10–15 minutes), or zap a piece in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. A little drizzle of fresh maple syrup or a pat of butter before serving will revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste every single time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While French bread is classic for the Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe, you can also try challah, brioche, or any sturdy white bread. Even whole grain or cinnamon-raisin bread will give a fun twist—just make sure it’s a bit stale for the best texture.
Do I have to refrigerate it overnight?
For best results, chilling overnight lets the bread really soak up all the custard and ensures the casserole bakes up creamy throughout. If you’re in a pinch, five to six hours might do the trick, but overnight is truly worth it for maximum flavor!
How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Simply swap in your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and a plant-based creamer or coconut cream for the heavy cream. Use a vegan butter alternative for the topping. The Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe easily adapts, letting everyone at the table dig in!
Can I add fruit or nuts before baking?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, or even a handful of fresh or frozen berries can be tossed over the bread before pouring on the custard. They’ll bake up right into the casserole, adding extra flavor, color, and texture.
Why is my casserole soggy in the middle?
A soggy center usually means there was too much custard for the amount of bread, or that it needed a few more minutes in the oven. Check that your bread cubes fill the pan in a generous layer, and bake until the middle is set—it should feel springy to the touch, not wet.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a breakfast or brunch dish that truly wows without piles of morning prep, this Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe is your answer. There’s just something magical about waking up to a bubbling, golden bake that fills the house with sweet, comforting aromas. Give it a try—I can’t wait for you to taste how effortless and delicious weekends can be!
Print
Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious breakfast with this Overnight French Toast Casserole recipe. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a stress-free morning. This casserole combines the rich flavors of French toast with a hint of sweetness and warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
Bread Mixture:
- 1 loaf French bread (day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
Topping (optional):
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
- powdered sugar or maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Mixture: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and add the cubed French bread in an even layer.
- Mix the Egg Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the liquid. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.
- Optional Topping: If using the topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Bake the Casserole: In the morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface (if using), or dot with small cubes of butter. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped pecans or a handful of raisins before baking.
- This dish can be made up to 24 hours in advance and is perfect for holidays or brunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
