If you’ve ever craved a decadent, make-ahead breakfast that feeds a crowd and tastes like pure comfort, then Overnight French Toast Casserole is about to become your new morning go-to! This cozy classic takes soft cubes of bakery bread, soaks them in a rich, cinnamon-kissed custard, and tops them with the most irresistible brown sugar streusel. Every bite is warm, custardy, buttery, and topped with just the right amount of sweet crunch. With all the prep finished the night before, you’ll wake up to a showstopping brunch treat that practically bakes itself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Overnight French Toast Casserole lies in its blend of simple ingredients, each playing a starring role in flavor and texture. Gather these kitchen essentials, and you’re halfway to breakfast bliss—don’t skip a single one!
- French bread or brioche (1 loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes): This creates the perfect base, sturdy enough to soak up the custard without turning mushy.
- Large eggs (8): The foundation of your custard, eggs bind everything together and add richness.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creamy moisture, ensuring every bite is soft but not soggy.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): For extra decadence and velvety texture that elevates the casserole.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the custard for a classic French toast flavor.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds depth and a hint of caramel warmth.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the custard with a welcoming aroma and rich vanilla undertones.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Absolutely essential for that signature breakfast spice.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch for balance—it heightens all the sweet notes.
- Topping:
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Helps create a crumbly, golden streusel topping.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Packs in classic breakfast sweetness and a hint of caramelization.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Doubles down on that heartwarming spice.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Keeps the topping from being tooth-achingly sweet.
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed (½ cup): The secret to a crisp, buttery crumble on top.
How to Make Overnight French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Bread
Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving a breeze. Next, cut your French bread or brioche into hearty 1-inch cubes. Scatter them evenly across the dish, letting some pieces poke up higher for extra crispiness on top—you want a mix of textures!
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, use a whisk to blend together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. You want everything incredibly well incorporated, so your Overnight French Toast Casserole has a perfectly smooth and flavorful custard base.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, making sure to drench every nook and cranny. Use a spatula (or even your hands!) to gently press down on the bread, so it soaks up all that delicious flavor. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight—the overnight soak is what gives this casserole its signature texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
While your casserole chills, whip up the magic crumb topping. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the mixture using a fork or pastry cutter until you have coarse crumbs. This topping gets covered and refrigerated too, so it’s ready to sprinkle on in the morning!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
When morning arrives, let your assembled Overnight French Toast Casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Distribute the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread, then bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes. The casserole is ready when it’s puffed, golden brown, and set in the center—let it cool slightly before digging in!
How to Serve Overnight French Toast Casserole
Garnishes
This is where you can take your Overnight French Toast Casserole from comforting to absolutely Instagram-worthy! A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate snow-like touch, while a drizzle of warm maple syrup makes each bite even more luxurious. You can also scatter on fresh berries for color and a pop of tart freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for a balanced brunch spread. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a simple fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt. A fresh pot of coffee and maybe some orange juice are the finishing touches to a delicious morning gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Overnight French Toast Casserole into triangles or cubes for a finger-food twist at a brunch buffet. Serve each portion in a mini cast iron skillet or ramekin for individual servings that look as special as they taste. Or, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a more decadent dessert angle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your casserole fresh, store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and get even better, making breakfasts or snacks a treat all week long.
Freezing
If you want to prep even farther ahead, bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the topping and add a quick crumble of fresh streusel before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the casserole has gotten a bit dry, a splash of milk on top before reheating works wonders to bring back that fresh custardy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! Try swapping French bread or brioche for challah, raisin bread, or even cinnamon swirl bread for a unique twist on classic Overnight French Toast Casserole. Just be sure your bread is dense and a bit dry so it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
Can I prepare this more than one day in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24–36 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes Overnight French Toast Casserole a fantastic make-ahead option for holidays, family gatherings, or busy weekends.
Is it necessary to let the casserole sit before baking?
Letting the casserole stand at room temperature before baking is key for even cooking. It helps the dish bake thoroughly and prevents the center from being cold when it comes out of the oven.
Can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk and use a dairy-free cream alternative. For gluten-free, just choose a loaf of sturdy gluten-free bread. The recipe is easy to adapt without sacrificing the signature flavor of Overnight French Toast Casserole.
How do I tell if it’s fully baked?
The casserole should be golden brown and puffed, with the center set but still a touch custardy. Insert a knife into the center—if it comes out mostly clean (with no raw custard), it’s ready to serve. If unsure, bake for a few more minutes and keep an eye on the color.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about waking up to a homemade Overnight French Toast Casserole—especially when you remember all the work is done and the best part is about to begin! Gather your favorite people, dig in, and start a new breakfast tradition that everyone will look forward to, bite after delicious bite.
Print
Overnight French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent and hassle-free breakfast with this Overnight French Toast Casserole. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for a stress-free morning meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly place bread cubes in it. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over bread, press lightly, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Make the Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Refrigerate overnight.
- Bake: Next morning, let casserole sit, preheat oven to 350°F, sprinkle topping, and bake for 45–50 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with maple syrup, berries, or powdered sugar.
- Try using raisin or cinnamon swirl bread for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
