If you’re searching for the ultimate brunch showstopper, look no further: the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is your dream come true! This crowd-pleasing classic combines the pillowy goodness of brioche, a rich custard infused with warm spices, and an irresistibly buttery, cinnamon-sugar topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. The magic? You assemble everything the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is bake, serve, and bask in the compliments. Whether you’re treating your loved ones on a lazy Sunday or dazzling guests at a holiday brunch, this casserole is about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I adore most about this recipe is how it turns a handful of pantry staples into pure breakfast bliss. Every ingredient brings something special—from the luxurious softness of brioche to the sweet, spiced custard and the golden, crunchy topping. Here’s what you need to make the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole shine:
- Brioche or French Bread: Thick slices hold their shape and soak up the custard for a fluffy, yet rich foundation.
- Large Eggs: These are essential for setting the custard and binding everything together.
- Whole Milk: Gives the casserole a creamy, yet balanced consistency without making it too heavy.
- Heavy Cream: Adds indulgent richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the custard.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps sweeten the custard and brings out the flavors in the bread.
- Light Brown Sugar: Offers hints of caramel and warmth, complementing both the custard and the topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor and brings an aromatic, bakery-fresh note.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the casserole with cozy, spiced undertones.
- Ground Nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way in adding subtle complexity.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (Topping): Gives body and crispness to the crumbly topping.
- More Light Brown Sugar (Topping): Caramelizes while baking, adding even more depth.
- More Ground Cinnamon (Topping): So the topping matches the cozy notes of the custard.
- More Salt (Topping): Just enough to make all those sweet flavors pop.
- Cold Unsalted Butter (Topping): Cubed and cut in for the ideal crumbly, golden finish.
How to Make Best Overnight French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Begin by generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—trust me, you don’t want to skip this step! Next, pile those fluffy, 1-inch bread cubes evenly in the pan. Good bread will soak up all the delicious custard while still holding its texture, giving you that signature French toast bite in every forkful.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated and brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. You’re aiming for a beautifully uniform, aromatic mixture that will seep into every nook of the bread. This custard lays the flavorful foundation for your Best Overnight French Toast Casserole.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard slowly over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets a good dousing. Use a gentle hand to press the bread down so it absorbs all those creamy, spiced flavors. This step is where the magic happens! Once everything is moistened, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. That long soak is what creates a perfectly soft and flavorful center.
Step 4: Mix the Topping
The next morning, don’t forget the star of the show—the crumbly, buttery topping! Stir together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, cut in cold cubes of butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. This topping is your secret weapon for crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the soaked casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F, and pop the dish in uncovered. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the casserole is puffed up, golden brown, and your kitchen smells like heaven. Let it rest for 10 minutes (if you can wait!), then serve your Best Overnight French Toast Casserole warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or a flurry of fresh berries.
How to Serve Best Overnight French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
This casserole is endlessly customizable when it comes to finishing touches, so don’t be shy! A generous drizzle of warm maple syrup makes each bite perfectly sweet. For something fresh, scatter on a handful of sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. And if you’re feeling decadent, a dollop of pillowy whipped cream adds a festive flair your guests will love.
Side Dishes
Pair your Best Overnight French Toast Casserole with savory brunch sides for the ultimate spread. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausages bring salty contrast, while a bright fruit salad keeps things light and balanced. If you’re hosting a crowd, a platter of scrambled eggs is always welcome, rounding out your morning feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your casserole into a brunch centerpiece by serving it in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own mini portion! For a fun twist, layer baked slices with yogurt and granola in tall glasses for a breakfast “trifle.” Or, create a DIY toppings bar so everyone can add their favorite garnishes to their own wedge of Best Overnight French Toast Casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, they store beautifully! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, and your casserole will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days—a perfect grab-and-go breakfast.
Freezing
The Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is freezer-friendly, making it a smart choice for meal prep. After baking, let the casserole cool completely, then cut into squares and wrap individual portions tightly. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To restore that freshly-baked coziness, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes. For a quick fix, you can use the microwave—just be sure to cover the casserole with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. (Pop it in for 1-2 minutes, depending on your portion size.)
FAQs
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Brioche is my top choice because it’s tender, buttery, and soaks up the custard without getting soggy. Challah or sturdy French bread are also fantastic alternatives, but steer clear of soft sandwich bread, which tends to break down.
Can I make Best Overnight French Toast Casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free loaf and use a gluten-free flour blend for the topping. The results are just as delicious and comforting.
How do I keep the casserole from being too soggy?
Use day-old or slightly stale bread cubes, which will absorb the custard without getting mushy. Also, don’t skip the overnight chill; it helps the bread fully dry and soak up all the flavors without turning to mush.
Can I add fruit or nuts to the casserole?
Yes! Toss in fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries) with the bread before soaking, or sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping for extra crunch. The Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is all about making it your own.
Is it okay to assemble the casserole more than one night in advance?
For the freshest texture, it’s best to keep the casserole refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Any longer, and the bread can become too soft and heavy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to make your brunch truly unforgettable, the Best Overnight French Toast Casserole is just the ticket. It’s unfussy to prepare, absolutely bursting with comforting flavors, and guaranteed to put smiles on every face around your table. Go ahead, give it a whirl—and don’t be surprised when it becomes a permanent fixture on your breakfast menu!
Print
Best Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chill)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with this Best Overnight French Toast Casserole. A rich and creamy custard soaked into brioche or French bread, baked until golden and puffed, then topped with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar crumble. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special brunch occasions.
Ingredients
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
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed bread evenly in the pan.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined. Pour over the bread, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare the Topping: In the morning, preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Bake: Sprinkle topping over casserole and bake for 45–55 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let rest before serving. Enjoy warm with desired toppings.
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
