Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
This Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful and easy make-ahead breakfast dish featuring custard-soaked bread baked until golden and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches, this recipe combines brioche or challah with a rich mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, baked to a warm, comforting finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 10 hours 15 minutes (including overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 pound loaf of brioche, challah, french bread, or white bread
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly. Cut the bread into 1-inch chunks and spread them evenly in the prepared pan.
- Make Custard:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the bread pieces in the dish, gently tossing to ensure all bread cubes are soaked. Spread into an even layer and cover the dish. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and bread to absorb the custard.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until combined. Add the cold, cut butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the sugar mixture until crumbly. Cover and refrigerate the topping overnight with the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and uncover. Sprinkle the prepared crumbly topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is fully set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked casserole from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Top with your favorite accompaniments such as homemade syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or other toppings of choice for a delicious breakfast experience.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard without getting too soggy.
- Make sure to refrigerate the casserole overnight to allow flavors to develop fully.
- The crumble topping can be prepared the night before for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and milk mixture to reduce richness.
- Allow the casserole to cool properly to set the custard fully for easier serving.
- Customize toppings with nuts, fruit, or flavored syrups to suit your taste.
