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
Scale
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
