Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole, get ready to meet your new go-to brunch superstar. This crowd-pleasing favorite combines cubes of rich brioche or French bread with a dreamy, cinnamon-scented custard, all baked up golden with a buttery, streusel-like topping. The beauty of this recipe? You do the heavy lifting the night before, let those flavors soak and meld, then simply pop it in the oven the next morning. The result is a dish that’s perfectly crisp on top, luxuriously creamy inside, and absolutely irresistible for holidays, special occasions, or any weekend that demands a little extra magic.

Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is all about smart, simple ingredients working in harmony. Each component plays a specific role, from the texture-building bread to the creamy custard and that over-the-top buttery crumble. Here’s what you’ll need to create breakfast bliss:

  • Brioche or French bread: Stale, sturdy bread soaks up the custard beautifully and gives a pillowy, yet structured base that never turns to mush.
  • Large eggs: These provide richness and set the custard, creating that classic French toast feel.
  • Whole milk: Gives the custard body and ensures a tender, creamy casserole.
  • Heavy cream: Adds a touch of luxury and elevates the texture from good to dreamy.
  • Granulated sugar: For perfect sweetness and a little bit of caramelization as the casserole bakes.
  • Light brown sugar: Brings in a warm, molasses undertone to both the custard and that irresistible topping.
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
  • Ground cinnamon: The quintessential cozy spice that gives this dish its signature aroma and flavor.
  • Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch heightens the warmth and complexity.
  • Salt: Balances all the sweetness and wakes up every other flavor.
  • All-purpose flour (for topping): Forms the foundation of that crunchy, crumbly streusel you’ll be dreaming about.
  • Cold unsalted butter (for topping): Makes the topping perfectly crisp and golden as it bakes.

How to Make Best Overnight French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Bread

To start, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cube your brioche or French bread into hearty 1-inch pieces and spread them evening into the pan. Make sure each cube has some exposed surface—this is what gives you that beautiful contrast between the crispy top and custardy interior.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. It should be smooth, golden, and fragrant—this is the flavor bomb that makes the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole so crave-worthy.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the cubed bread in your pan. Press down gently with a spoon or spatula to help the bread absorb all that luscious liquid. This soaking time is key for tender results—don’t rush it!

Step 4: Chill Overnight

Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or at least eight hours). This allows every bread cube to drink up the custard and the flavors to really meld, turning your simple ingredients into something unforgettable.

Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cubes of cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until you have coarse, buttery crumbs. This extra step creates the signature crunchy topping that sets the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole apart.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Remove the casserole from the fridge and sprinkle your streusel topping evenly over the soaked bread. Bake, uncovered, for 45–55 minutes. It’s done when the top is puffed and golden, and the center is just set with a bit of wobble. Let it rest for 10 minutes—this makes slicing and serving a breeze.

How to Serve Best Overnight French Toast Casserole

Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The magic doesn’t stop when this beauty comes out of the oven. A flurry of fresh berries, a generous pour of warm maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream all enhance the flavors and add a fresh, vibrant finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar never goes amiss either—especially if you want that “wow” brunch table look.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Best Overnight French Toast Casserole with savory sides is always a hit! Crispy bacon, sizzling breakfast sausage, or a platter of scrambled eggs balance the casserole’s sweetness. If you’re keeping brunch light, a citrusy fruit salad or tangy Greek yogurt brings a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the casserole into neat squares for a buffet-style brunch, or use large biscuit cutters for fun, special-occasion shapes. Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a dinner-party dessert. You can even set up a toppings bar so everyone customizes their slice—fresh fruit, chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or flavored syrups bring endless variety.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover Best Overnight French Toast Casserole, simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen and the texture stays delightful!

Freezing

This casserole is completely freezer-friendly. Assemble and bake as directed, then cool completely. Wrap the pan well in plastic wrap and foil, or portion out slices in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.

Reheating

To bring your casserole back to just-baked perfection, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F, covered, for about 15 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual pieces for 1–2 minutes. A splash of milk over the top before reheating keeps things moist and custardy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Yes! While brioche or French bread gives the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole its signature texture, challah or any sturdy, day-old loaf works well. Just avoid very soft sandwich bread, which can turn mushy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and use a plant-based cream in place of the heavy cream. Swap the butter in the topping for vegan butter and you’re set for a delicious dairy-free treat.

Can I add fruit or nuts?

Definitely. Layer fresh berries, sliced bananas, or thinly sliced apples between bread cubes for juicy bursts in every bite. Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add extra crunch when mixed into the topping or sprinkled over the finished dish.

Is it possible to bake it right away instead of overnight?

If you’re short on time, you can let the custard soak into the bread for at least 30 minutes before baking, though the overnight rest really amplifies the flavor and texture. The casserole will still be tasty, but the custard may not absorb as evenly.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is ready when the top is golden and the edges are set, with just the slightest jiggle in the center. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean. Letting it rest also ensures slices hold together beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to start any morning on a high note, or impress at your next brunch, you simply must give the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole a try. It’s comforting, gorgeous, and incredibly easy—everything you want in a make-ahead breakfast. Happy baking, and may your mornings be extra sweet!

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Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe

Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chill)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious and indulgent breakfast casserole, this Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is made with brioche or French bread soaked in a sweet custard overnight and baked to golden perfection in the morning. Topped with a buttery crumble, it’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Casserole:

  • 1 loaf brioche or French bread (cut into 1-inch cubes, about 10 cups)
  • 8 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed bread evenly in the pan.
  2. Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently so all cubes absorb the liquid. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  3. Bake: The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until puffed and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
  4. Serve: Serve warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries.

Notes

  • This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance.
  • For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 185mg

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